Biosolids in the establishment of herbaceous species and in chemical and microbiological attributes in soil impacted by coal mining

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of sewage sludge biosolid concentrations, submitted to thermal treatment, in the establishment of herbaceous species (black oats, vetches, and ryegrass) and in the chemical and microbiological attributes of a soil degraded by coal mining. The experiment was installed in an area degraded by coal mining, in Treviso/SC, with treatments composed of concentrations of 0; 6.25; 100; 250; and 500 Mg ha-1 of biosolids, in 2×2 m plots. Species of black oat, vetch, and ryegrass were grown in a consortium manner, evaluating the plant parameters and chemical attributes of the soil at depths 0-5, 5-10, and 10-20 cm. The biosolids provided improvements in soil fertility, such as pH elevation, increased levels available of P, K, and total organic carbon, in addition to not influencing mycorrhizal colonization, basal soil respiration, and root nodulation. The use of biosolid waste as a substrate in degraded areas is an alternative to its final disposal due to the economy when using it as a fertilizer, in addition to the environmental benefits associated with its use.