Metal Amended Liquid Sludge Experiment
- Experiment Code: W/CS/428
- Experiment Site: Woburn
- Objectives: To the effects of zinc, copper and cadmium on soil microbial activity with low organic matter inputs.
- Description: Enables the comparison of metal concentrations (zinc, copper and cadmium) at 3 rates in small amounts of organic matter applied as a specially made liquid sludge applied. Samples of the sludge used and periodic soil and plant samples are available in the Rothamsted Sample Archive. This experiment is part of a network of 3 sites across the UK and can also be compared with related Contaminated Sludge Cake Experiment and Metal Salts Experiment, also at Woburn.
- Date Start: 1994
- Date End: Ongoing
Key Contacts
Steve McGrath
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Organisation: Rothamsted Research
- Address: West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom
Funding
- The e-RA database, including the published datasets generated from it, is part of the Rothamsted Long-Term Experiments - National Bioscience Research Infrastructure (RLTE-NBRI) , which also includes the Long-Term Experiments, the Sample Archive and Rothamsted's environmental monitoring activities including the weather stations and its role in the UK Environmental Change Network.
- The RLTE-NBRI is supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (Grants BBS/E/C/00005189 (2012-2017); BBS/E/C/000J0300 (2017-2022); BBS/E/RH/23NB0007 (2023-2028)).
Experimental Design
Description
- Each plot received only one of the three metal amendments for 3 years between 1995 and 1997. In addition to the 9 treated plots there were 2 low metal content only sludge treatment plots and 2 untreated/no sludge control plots. All sludge treatments received the same organic matter loading.
Design
- Period: 1995 - Now
- Experiment Design Type: Randomized complete block design
- Number of Blocks: 3
- Number of Plots: 39
- Number of Harvests per Year: 1
Crops
| Crop | Years Grown |
|---|---|
| Rye Grass |
Factors
Factors are the interventions or treatments which vary across the experiment.
Zinc Nutrient Exposure
Description: Applied as liquid sludge
Application: Whole Plot
Levels
| Level Name | Amount | Years | Frequency | Crop | Method | Chemical Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate 1 | 348 kg/ha | 1995 - 1997 | annually | ||||
| Rate 2 | 696 kg/ha | 1995 - 1997 | annually | ||||
| Rate 3 | 1094 kg/ha | 1995 - 1997 | annually |
Copper Nutrient Exposure
Application: Whole Plot
Levels
| Level Name | Amount | Years | Frequency | Crop | Method | Chemical Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate 1 | 181 | 1995 - 1997 | annually | ||||
| Rate 2 | 351 kg/ha | 1995 - 1997 | annually | ||||
| Rate 3 | 523 kg/ha | 1995 - 1997 | annually |
Cadmium Exposure
Application: Whole Plot
Levels
| Level Name | Amount | Years | Frequency | Crop | Method | Chemical Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate 1 | 5.02 kg/ha | 1995 - 1997 | annually | ||||
| Rate 2 | 7.8 kg/ha | 1995 - 1997 | annually | ||||
| Rate 3 | 10.58 kg/ha | 1995 - 1997 | annually |
Site: Butt Close West - Woburn
- Experiment Site: Woburn
- Management: Plots were bounded by wooden boards prevent soil movement during cultivation. Cultivations were carried out annually to ensure that the sludge additions were evenly incorporated in the top 0-25cm. The soil pH was maintained at 6.5.
- Visit Permitted?: No
- Elevation: 96 Metres
- Geolocation: 52.01195, -0.597963
Soil
- Type: Arenosol
Soil Properties
| Variable | Value | Reference Year | Is Estimated | Is Baseline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sand content | 83% (Percent) | 1995 | NO | YES |
| Silt content | 8% (Percent) | 1995 | NO | YES |
| Clay content | 9% (Percent) | 1995 | NO | YES |
| Soil pH | 7.3 () | 1995 | NO | YES |
| Soil organic carbon | 1.1% (Percent) | 1995 | NO | YES |
There are currently no prepared datasets online for this experiment. However,
there may still be data available but requiring curation.
For more information please contact the e-RA curators.
License
These media (images and videos) are
available under a Creative Commons
Attribution Licence (4.0) with attribution to Rothamsted Research.
Images
Key References
NO KEYREF PROVIDED
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For further information and assistance, please contact the e-RA curators, Sarah Perryman and Margaret Glendining using the e-RA email address: era@rothamsted.ac.uk