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Revegetation of
drastically disturbed sites is often limited by long term
Nitrogen (N) availability. Initial plant growth declines as the
fertilizer amendments that are typically used become
depleted.
Traditional approaches
to reestablishing vegetation on disturbed sites have included
regular maintenance fertilization programs in which mineral
fertilizers are applied at regular intervals ranging from 1 to 3
years. A problem with this approach is that it is very difficult
to wean reestablishing vegetation from this program.
Furthermore, experience is showing that repeated applications of
mineral fertilizers actually deplete the soil of its life
supporting organic component resulting in a decline in
vegetation density.
With
environmental
quality increasingly being addressed in legislation specific to
reclamation/revegetation and landholders/operators being held
responsible for reclamation success for long periods of time,
industry is actively seeking alternatives to mineral
fertilizers. Biosol® is considered to be ecologically superior
to mineral fertilizers because of its slow uniform release and
low heavy metal values. Biosol® is also deemed more
environmentally appropriate for use in watersheds where there is
potential to contaminate potable water supplies. |
