Design of Long-Term Sludge-Loading Rates for Forests under Uncertainty
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 121, Issue 9
Abstract
A simple time series describing nitrate-nitrogen concentrations percolating from a sludge-amended forest is presented for the case where applications are made at several-year intervals. The time series converges to a quasi–steady-state solution that can be solved for an application rate limited by percolating nitrate-nitrogen concentrations. A chance constraint incorporates uncertainty associated with precipitation and evapotranspiration, the most important factors in determining the excess water available for leaching. Design loading rates for eight New York state forest regions are discussed. If applications occur at 3-year intervals, rates range from 0.2 to 5.3 Mg/ha dry weight depending on the design confidence level, local excess water patterns, forest nitrogen uptake, sludge type, and atmospheric nitrogen deposition rates. Results are compared to predictions made with FORSENTO, a comprehensive model for simulating sludge applications to northern hardwood forests. FORSENTO simulations suggest that mature hardwoods need only 12 kg/ha to support annually perennial material growth and that atmospheric nitrogen deposition may eventually meet or exceed needs of trees so that landspreading may not be sustainable indefinitely in some areas.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 121 • Issue 9 • September 1995
Pages: 625 - 632
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Sep 1, 1995
Published in print: Sep 1995
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