powerscol
Veteran Member
I have worked with the stuff for years. It has its place. Back in the 80's Chicago's sludge was barged below Peoria and applied to the coal strip mine areas where nothing would grow. Its now a wildlife heaven. Did it stink - you bet! They initially had a terrable time getting plants to grow until they found some native grass and shrub seeds for Kansas. Iowa, Western Illinois ad Ohio. The native seed from hundreds of years ago
Now I am very surprised it is allowed to be sprayed on. Outside of Glenwood Springs Colorado they did an injection process on corn fields. It was applied about 18" under the ground - no stink unless a hose broke. Whats critical is to know what in your sludge. If it is a local town with no big factories or battery places, it can be pretty clean. Some sludge like from Detroit can be a heavy metal nightmare.
In college I worked on my senior project with some CAT engineers that were trying to remove the heavy metals from their processing waste. They used Kudzu plants and natural cattails along with other plants (think overgrown wetlands) Several times a year they harvested the plants and re processed them to capture some of the exotic and valuable metals to re-use. They were always trying to improve the process. I worked on the final water process finding natural elements for the final purification. It went to a neighboring farm for irrigation.
Bottom line if it is processed correctly it is safe, If they cant provide proof of proper processing stay away. They should also be able to give you a nutrient list and PH. Do a soil test before using. Also wear a full mask when applying.
Now I am very surprised it is allowed to be sprayed on. Outside of Glenwood Springs Colorado they did an injection process on corn fields. It was applied about 18" under the ground - no stink unless a hose broke. Whats critical is to know what in your sludge. If it is a local town with no big factories or battery places, it can be pretty clean. Some sludge like from Detroit can be a heavy metal nightmare.
In college I worked on my senior project with some CAT engineers that were trying to remove the heavy metals from their processing waste. They used Kudzu plants and natural cattails along with other plants (think overgrown wetlands) Several times a year they harvested the plants and re processed them to capture some of the exotic and valuable metals to re-use. They were always trying to improve the process. I worked on the final water process finding natural elements for the final purification. It went to a neighboring farm for irrigation.
Bottom line if it is processed correctly it is safe, If they cant provide proof of proper processing stay away. They should also be able to give you a nutrient list and PH. Do a soil test before using. Also wear a full mask when applying.