Evaluation of multiple-rate biosolid applications on Sudangrass yield

A field experiment was conducted during the 2003 growing season to evaluate the effect of multiple application rates of biosolids material on Sudan grass yield. Growers in the Mohave Valley region of the state have been using biosolids for the past several years principally as a source of nitrogen (N) and secondarily as a soil amendment. Mineralization rates vary widely based on environmental factors, in particular temperature and soil moisture. Little research been conducted in this particular growing region to refine recommended application rates. The objective of this study was to compare the typical agronomic rate that is currently recommended to several other rates and determine the effects on Sudan grass yield. Results showed that the current recommended application rates produced the greatest yield. However, due to space limitations and logistics, the study was laid out in large treated blocks and was not replicated. As such, definitive conclusions from results are difficult to draw