WHAT ARE BIOSOLIDS?
Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic residues left over from the treatment of animal waste, most commonly harvested from sewage sludge at waste water treatment plants. Much in the way manure is applied to farmland, biosolids are an environmentally friendly solution to the disposal of human and animal waste products. When properly treated and processed, biosolids can enhance the fertility of soils and encourage plant growth.
WHAT FORMS DO BIOSOLIDS COME IN?
Biosolids come in a variety of forms, varying in size, shape, color, odor, and handling. In terms of odor (foremost on most minds), while some biosolids exhibit that classic sulfurous odor, many biosolids have no foul odor at all. Those biosolids, when completely processed, resemble the look and feel of potting soil. Other biosolids come in pelletized or powder form so that they can easily be mixed or coated with/onto fertilizer granules.
BIOSOLID CLASSIFICATION
Biosolids are divided into 3 classes: Class B, Class A, and Class A-EQ (exception quality). Class A Biosolids are held to a much higher standard; they are generally cleaner appearing, more processed, and have little to no odor. Class A vs. Class B biosolids differ in 1.) the way treated sludge is processed and stabilized, 2.) the physical characteristics of the biosolid end products, and 3.) the markets for which each end product is permitted to be sold (without application restrictions). In general, Class B biosolids are limited to agricultural use, disposal in a landfill, or incineration. Unlike most Class B biosolids, Class A biosolids may be used by citrus growers, nurseries, and sod farms, but are more commonly used by golf courses, landscapers, and homeowners on residential turf.
QUALITY CONTROL (ODOR, PATHOGENS, ETC.)
Regardless of their various fates, biosolids are held to certain standards before being released into environment. Because biosolids pose multiple environmental hazards prior to treatment, all biosolids (regardless of class) are purified and monitored for heavy metal and pathogen content. Class B biosolids are restricted to only agricultural and landfill disposal. Because of this, EPA and state regulatory agencies require local waste water treatment plants to take appropriate steps to monitor heavy metal content and significantly reduce levels of key pathogens.
Conversely, because Class A biosolids have unrestricted use (in terms of where they can be used, NOT in terms of application rate), EPA and state regulatory agencies are much stricter regarding quality control. Class A biosolids must meet fecal coliform and salmonella pathogen standards and have regulated time/temp and pH/temp monitoring. With Class A-EQ biosolids, extremely low heavy metal limits are imposed (general Class A standards must also still be met). State and local regulatory departments may also have certain odor and handling standards which must be achieved before these products may be marketed, sold, or disposed of.
HOW BIOSOLIDS ENHANCE TURF AND OTHER PLANTS?
Biosolids are generally an environmental friendly source of N-P-K nutrients (when applied at the recommended application rate), allowing the user to apply less synthetic N-P-K fertilizer to the soil. Biosolids are a safe, excellent source of organic material which can be used to enhance soil structure and increase a soil’s water holding capacity. Biosolids have been proven to increase macro and micronutrient uptake in plants, as well as amend low-fertility soils. Biosolids contain significantly fewer pathogens than straight animal manure so they are generally a healthier organic fertilizer choice for turf, ornamentals, and vegetable gardens. '
NUTRIENT CLAIMS
From an analysis standpoint, biosolids are relatively low in nutrients compared to synthetic fertilizers, however much of the benefit to plants comes from the infusion of organic material into soils, not just N-P-K counts. Organic matter (partially biodegraded cellular material) can chelate micronutrients in the soil and increase the soil’s water holding capacity. Some biosolids also contain trace micronutrients such as iron, magnesium and manganese. A typical biosolid analysis looks something like this:
- 5-3-1
- 4-2-0
- 3-2-1
APPLICATION RESTRICTIONS (FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL)
Each state and municipality has its own rules and restrictions regarding the application of biosolids on different land types (farmland vs. residential lawn, etc.). Many states also restrict the amount of phosphorus that can be applied due to the risk of waterway contamination (leading to toxic algal blooms). Before purchasing pelletized biosolids or fertilizers mixed with biosolids, check with federal, state and local authorities to ensure that biosolids are permitted for use in your area. When applying, make sure to follow the instructions on the label. Ensure you do not exceed application rate restrictions.
For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service
to find a distributor near you.
References:
https://www.epa.gov/biosolids
www.oracwa.org/documents/MikeMiller-MovingtoaClassABiosolidsProgram.pdf
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/200046QX.PDF?Dockey=200046QX.PDF
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/land_application.pdf
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/pnw508_0.pdf
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc. Brunswick, OH , October 9, 2024 – Platte River Equity (“Platte River”) portfolio company Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (“Agri-Nutrients”), a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the turf & ornamental (“T&O”) industry. This strategic acquisition provides Turf Care with an established presence in the south-central United States, an enhanced product portfolio and additional manufacturing capacity. “This acquisition represents much more than a business transaction; it is a strategic step forward in expanding our reach and enhancing our customers’ growth. By bringing Agri-Nutrients into the Turf Care family, we are broadening our product portfolio, expanding our market presence and further positioning ourselves as a leader in providing innovative solutions for our customers,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “We are excited about joining the Turf Care team,” said Jim Montgomery, President of Agri-Nutrients. “At Agri-Nutrients, our core values center around customer service and product innovation, and we are confident that this combination will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers.” “Platte River welcomes the Agri-Nutrients team to Turf Care. This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to fostering growth through both organic and inorganic initiatives across the Turf Care platform,” said Tarun Kanthety, Vice President of Platte River. “The partnership with Agri-Nutrients strengthens Turf Care’s value-added offering, creating additional growth opportunities across the combined customer base.” B&A Corporate Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Agri-Nutrients. About Agri-Nutrients Founded in 1992 and based in Catoosa, OK, Agri-Nutrients is a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the T&O industry, predominantly selling into the lawn care, sports turf and golf course end markets. About Turf Care Supply Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the T&O market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets. Turf Care operates four manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the eastern U.S. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes prudent capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.6 billion and is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams.
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC. We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark Mangan President Turf Care Supply, LLC
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.