Know the rules and regulations of biosolids before using this inexpensive soil amendment in your citrus grove.
Biosolids are organic solids “often used as an inexpensive soil amendment to enhance soil quality,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. While they can be a cost-effective option to amend the soil of your citrus grove, the article cautions that the rules and regulations of biosolids can be many. See the details below.
About Biosolids
According to the article, biosolids “are a primarily organic solid product produced by wastewater treatment processes.” They are sometimes called “sewage sludge.” They are the only form of human waste that can be utilized, per The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR).
The rules and regulations of biosolids are regulated by federal, state, and local laws, In Florida, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulates the application of biosolids.
Rules and Regulations of Biosolids
According to the article, biosolids must “meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards for pathogen and vector attraction reduction,” and they must be labelled as either Class A or Class B biosolids.
Class A Biosolids: “biosolids to be used without restrictions on timing of harvest and application
Class B Biosolids: biosolids that cannot be used 30 days or under before harvest; essentially, you cannot harvest citrus for 30 days after applying Class B biosolids.
Other considerations include:
- “All land application sites in Florida are required to be enrolled in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Best Management Practices Program.”
- “There are also county and site specific requirements and restrictions that may apply. It’s important to consult local regulations to ensure full compliance with both food safety and environmental standards before use. More information about use in Florida is available here.”
- “While biosolids are treated to significantly reduce pathogens, it is important to remember that pathogens like Salmonella have not been completely eliminated. Caution to prevent potential cross contamination should be used when storing and applying biosolids, especially near groves in close proximity to harvest and near areas where post-harvest activities occur.”
- “While biosolid use is allowed in the PSR, and may be allowed by local regulations, many food-safety audits do not allow for the use of human waste or biosolids. Before using biosolids, make sure it is allowable within your audit scheme.”
See our next blog for Best Practices for biosolids.
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