Land treatment of sludge 457Optimum yields and crop production may then require supplemental fertilization
for the other nutrients (N, P and K) (Reed and Crites 1984).
Table 9.12 Summary of joint EPA/FDA/USDA guidelines for sludge application for fruit
and vegetable production (U.S. EPA 1983)
Annual and cumulative Cd rates
Annual rate should not exceed 0.5 kg/ha. Cumulative Cd loadings should not
exceed 5, 10, or 20 kg/ha, depending on soil pH and CEC values of <5, 5 to 15,
and >15 meq/100 g, respectively.
Soil pH
Soil pH (plow zone - top 6 in) should be 6.5 or greater at time of each sludge
application.
PCB's
Sludges with PCB concentrations greater than 10 mg/kg should be incorporated
into the soil.
Pathogen reduction
Sludge should be treated by pathogen reduction process before soil application.
Waiting period of 12 to 18 months before a crop is grown may be required,
depending on prior sludge processing and disinfection.
Use of high-quality sludge
High-quality sludge should not contain more than 25 mg/kg Cd, 1,000 mg/kg Pb,
and 10 mg/kg PCB (dry weight basis).
Cumulative lead application rate
Cumulative Pb loading should not exceed 800 kg/ha.
Pathogenic organisms
A minimum requirement is that crops to be eaten raw should not be planted in
sludge-amended fields within 12 to 18 months after the last sludge application.
Further assurance of safe and wholesome food products can be achieved by
increasing the time interval to 36 months.
Physical contamination and filth
Sludge should be applied directly to soil and not directly to any human food crop.
Crops grown for human consumption on sludge-amended fields should be
processed with good food industry practices, especially for root crops and low-
growing fresh fruits and vegetables.
Soil monitoring
Soil monitoring should be performed on a regular basis, at least annually for pH.
Every few years, soil test should be run for Cd and Pb.
Choice of crop type
The growing of plants that do not accumulate heavy metals is encouraged.
Note:FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration USDA = U.S. Department of Agriculture