Composted biosolids incorporation improves turfgrass establishment on disturbed urban soil and reduces leaf rust severity

The effects of incorporation of compost to a disturbed urban soil on turfgr ass establishment, growth, and rust severity were assessed in a replicated field study. A blend of two locally available composted biosolids (sewage s ludge) was incorporated into a nutrient-deficient subsoil at a rate of 130 m(3).ha(-1), adding NO3-N, P, and K at 126,546, and 182 kg.ha(-1), respecti vely, to each compost-amended plot. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and a mixture of these two species were seeded into both compost-amended and nonamended plots and observed for 1 year. Turfgrass establishment estimated from visual assessments of perce ntage cover and growth measured by clipping yields were significantly (P<0. 05) enhanced by the incorporation of the composted biosolids. These effects were first observed and most pronounced on plots seeded with perennial rye grass and were apparent for the duration of the study. The severity of leaf rust caused by Puccinia sp. was significantly (P<0.05) less on perennial r yegrass; seeded on the compost-amended plots. This study demonstrates the f easibility and potential benefits of amending disturbed urban soils with co mposted biosolids to enhance turfgrass establishment and is the first repor t of the suppression of a foliar turfgrass disease through the incorporatio n of compost into soil.