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Long-term biosolids application alters the composition of soil microbial groups and nutrient status in a pine plantation

Abstract

Tree nutrient concentrations, root biomass, soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents, and enzyme activities were determined in a radiata pine plantation (Pinus radiata D. Don) on a sandy loam soil receiving 19 years of repeated biosolids applications, and the composition of soil microbial groups was assessed using phospholipid fatty acid analysis. Biosolids application significantly increased soil organic N, available P and foliar N concentration, but had no significant impact on foliar P concentration over the long term.

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