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wheat and boulder image DNR Wastewater Treatment Division

Boulder Park Soil Improvement Project

harvesting around bouldersThis project encompasses several thousand acres of dryland grain crops in North Central Washington, where biosolids have proven to be highly beneficial for crop yield enhancement and reducing soil erosion. This project includes more than 100 landowners and farmers interested in improving their soils and enhancing the economy of their rural environment. Biosolids from other agencies are also recycled at this site, helping to satisfy the demand for this soil amendment.
unloading in the field

Biosolids are delivered to storage areas (above) within each field, loaded into farm equipment (above-right) and applied (right) at agronomic rates, matching crop needs with the fertilizer value of biosolids.

 spreading biosolids

An agronomic application supplies all nutrients needed for optimum crop yield, seen here before (below left) and after incorporation (below right ).

incorporated by discing or harrowbiosolids on the ground

Enhanced germination and early growth improves winter survival of young wheat plants. Thick canopy cover restricts weed establishment and helps reduce moisture loss from the soil. As a result, farmers have reduced the use of herbicides and water is conserved for plants.

 young wheat - thick new growth

Return to Biosolids Home

For questions about biosolids recycling or this website, please use 'comments' link below or contact us at: biosrecy@kingcounty.gov

Resource Recovery
201 S. Jackson Street
Mail Stop: KSC-NR-0512
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 684-1255
Fax: (206) 684-2057

Updated: May 8, 2008

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