waste from sewage treatment plants, but the only thing we think of when we hear the term is – excuse my indelicacy – poo. In the past, untreated sewage water had been casually discharged back into the environment without the slightest care for its negative impacts. However, improvements in filtration systems make it possible for the sewage material to be thoroughly filtered, resulting in clean water that’s being discharged into the environment, and leftover residue: biosolids. (To the right: Cartoon depicting how biosolids are made!) 
(To the left: Slightly unappetizing picture of feces used in agriculture...)
Over the years, biosolids have acquired much popularity in the agricultural industry. Many farmers who act as stakeholders of this innovative method agree that the use of biosolids in agriculture has significantly benefitted their farms. On average, municipalities of Ontario produce 300 000 tonnes of treated sewage annually. The waste would generally be either incinerated or put into a landfill, but now farmers have found a method of utilizing these resources that would otherwise go to waste: spreading it onto their farmland. It’s a good thing that the farmers could overlook the initial absurdity of spreading human waste all over agricultural land, because it’s evident that their initiative brought many advantages. Containing a number of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen that are typically used by farmers in fertilizers, biosolids are known to be extremely beneficial to the soil. Additionally, the variety of micronutrients it contains improves crop production and reduces the dependency on chemical fertilizers. The organic 
matter in biosolids also acts as a bond between soil particles to reduce erosion. Disturbed lands like old construction sites or landfills are being reclaimed with the help of biosolids that act as an excellent top soil in providing the land with the fertility it needs to recover from previous trauma. Biosolids are even being used as top soils for recreational areas like parks and sports fields, but I’m dubious as to how many people would want to play in a field of their own feces! Even more, biosolids have even been successfully fed to cattle as 10-20% of their diet with no apparent health effects!... ew. (To the left: A farm that uses biosolids to grow crops!)
On the other hand, many people are still hesitant about converting to this method due to several of potential risks. It’s always a concern that the biosolids will be exposed to pathogens – i.e., disease causing organisms – like bacteria and protozoa. Not only does this directly affect our food sources, but it could also leach into and contaminate our water sources. Furthermore, sometimes biosolids are mistreated and results in contamination of heavy metals like lead and chromium that would have incredibly dangerous effects if applied to agricultural land.
Nevertheless, I still say yes to biosolids! The never-ending list of benefits outweighs the potential risks that are common among every agricultural method anyways. Not only do biosolids benefit the fertility and crop production of the farm, but think of the efficiency! For once, human waste is waste no more! Once people get past that initial appetite-losing thought, they’ll come to recognize its many assets!
I commented on:
Agatha Choy's Love your organics; Love your poop
Albert Gevorkian's Recycle Poop
Sources:
"Biosolids.com | About Biosolids: Biosolids Benefits." _. Web. 09 June 2011.
Janssen, Don. "What Are Biosolids?" University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County. Web. 09 June 2011.
"Sewage Biosolids - Managing Urban Nutrients Responsibly for Crop Production." Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs / Ministère De L'Agriculture, De L'Alimentation Et Des Affaires Rurales. Web. 09 June 2011.
"Water FAQ's." Resource Library for the Environment and the Law. Web. 09 June 2011.
"WQ427 Benefits and Risks of Biosolids | University of Missouri Extension." University of Missouri Extension Home. Web. 09 June 2011.
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