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Sustainable land application: an overview
G A O'Connor1, H A Elliott, N T Basta
1Soil and Water Science Department, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110510, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. gao@ufl.edu
Journal of Environmental Quality
|January 14, 2005
Summary
Land application of societal residuals, like compost and biosolids, recycles nutrients and improves soil. Public trust is essential for sustainable land application practices, alongside environmental protection.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Waste Management
Background:
- Societal nonhazardous wastes (residuals) have been land-applied for centuries for disposal and soil improvement.
- Growing interest in land application due to landfill and incineration concerns.
- Traditional land application definitions are incomplete without public trust.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce key developments in land treatment theory and practice.
- Identify research needs for sustainable residual land application.
- Highlight advancements from the "Sustainable Land Application" conference.
Main Methods:
- Overview of selected papers and posters from a 2004 conference.
- Focus on sustainable land application of residuals.
- Sponsored by USEPA, USDA, and national/state organizations.
Main Results:
- Significant developments in land treatment theory and practice were presented.
- Critical knowledge gaps for sustainable land application were identified.
- The importance of public trust in land application practices was emphasized.
Conclusions:
- Sustainable land application requires a holistic approach including public trust.
- Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps.
- Continued collaboration among regulatory bodies and organizations is crucial.