Field Green® biosolids are a product of WLSSD’s biological wastewater treatment process and are used for fertilizer in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Biosolids contain nutrients important for crop growth and organic matter to enrich soils. Because its nutrients are contained in organic matter, biosolids act as a slow-release fertilizer.
Field Green® biosolids are produced with a two-stage biological process. In the first stage, oxygen-loving bacteria break down pollutants and are separated from wastewater. In the second stage, bacteria that thrive without oxygen create a stable biosolids product that resembles black dirt.
Field Green® biosolids can double yields and improve the quality of grass hay, the main crop in this region. Some farmers use Field Green® to fertilize cash crops, such as canola and wheat. Taconite companies use biosolids to revegetate mine tailings basins.
The production and use of biosolids are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Field Green® biosolids are of much better quality than regulations require.
WLSSD’s certified staff delivers and spreads Field Green® to ensure compliance with all regulations and appropriate application rates. WLSSD employees use careful, well-monitored practices to meet farmers’ needs and protect the environment. Those practices include testing, monitoring, computerized mapping and GPS technology.
WLSSD publishes the Biosolids Digest newsletter twice each year for farmers and land owners, including practical tips, research, and notes from the field.