Biosolids Utilization

1
Biosolids Utilization

• An Ontario Farmers Experience
• Greg Kitching
• Kitcholm Farms
• Moffat, ON

2
Farm Background

• Seventh generation family farm South of Guelph
• Mixed operation
• Dairy
• Cash crops
• Custom work
• Combination of owned and rented land
• Steady increase of rural non farm neighbours

3
Why Use Biosolids?

• Cost effective source of nutrients
• Good source of organic matter
• Utilize on farms distant to livestock
• Makes sense from a recycling viewpoint

4
The Players
Biosolids Recycling Makes Sense From An
Environmental And Agricultural Stewardship
Viewpoint Compared To Landfilling Or Incineration
5
Research Conducted

• Tile outlet water sampling
• Halton Conservation Club
• Golden Horseshoe Project

6
Future Directions of Ontario Agriculture

• Profit margins continue to erode
• Nutrients more expensive other options
• Farms get bigger Fewer farmers
• Split between diversification and specialization
• Farmers become better managers increased
  productivity
• Elevated concern for the environment
• Increased legislation - Partnerships
• Nutrient Management
• Source Water Protection
• C of A Application Process

7

• Increased participation in Environmental
  Management Programs EFP / BMP
• Ongoing research into improved application
  technologies
• Further processing/mixing of biosolids

8
Conclusions

• Have seen agronomic benefits to biosolids
  utilization
• Have experienced no detrimental effects
• A high quality product properly applied is a
  benefit to all