Irrigation
Ag Canada researchers honoured
June 11, 2014, Canada – A team of researchers from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) recently received a significant honour from the Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO). The award, for Exemplary Biosolids Management was given in the category of Significant Research.
Dr. Ed Topp and his group of colleagues at the Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre in London, Ontario received the award for their work regarding management of biosolids in land application.
According to the WEAO, Dr. Topp and his team have generated significant new information about biosolids management, increased the understanding of some of the effects associated with biosolid use, and generated key information that contributes to best management practices for land application of biosolids.
"It is a great honour for our research team to receive this award because it validates the practical significance of many years' of work AAFC has undertaken on the sustainable use of biosolids," said Topp.
Some of the key discoveries made by Dr. Topp and his team include:
- Under normal farming conditions pharmaceuticals carried in biosolids used as organic amendments are not taken up by crops.
- Concentrations of antibiotics detected in runoff from ground fertilized with biosolids were found to be very low.
- Most drugs are readily broken down in soils following the application of biosolids.
"There will be continuing pressure to recycle various organic amendments onto agricultural land," added Topp. "It's the most economical way of recycling nutrients while improving soil quality. We and our collaborators are committed to ensuring that the science validating the safety of this practice is as strong as possible."
The Water Environment Association of Ontario is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Ontario's water environment.
June 11, 2014 By Lianne Appleby
Honourees (left to right): Roger Murray Researchers at AAFC have been recognized for work regarding biosolids in land application.