National Biosolids Research Program (NBRP)
The NBRP resulted from the CSIRO and other biosolid research projects uniting to determine the potential benefits and risks associated with land application of biosolids. Dookie Campus's broadacre site is one of five field trials in Victoria and eighteen field trials around Australia . The project will provide the necessary data to underpin the production of scientifically defensible guidelines for biosolids and other waste materials reuse at State and National levels.
Biosolids produced at the Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) Waste Management facility have been applied to broadacre cropping land at the trial site. Focussing on the benefits of using biosolids for crop production the key objectives of the trial are:
• To develop recommended rates for biosolid application for crop production
• To raise awareness of biosolids and the opportunity for use by the local farming community
• To quantify the benefits of biosolids use on crop production and soils.
Established in 2003 with a canola crop, the Dookie field site provides third year Bachelor of Agriculture students with the opportunity to work on the trial for their final project. Beneficial for students and Goulburn Valley Water, students are linked into the NBRP, meeting and working with scientists whilst contributing valuable data from their individual projects.
Biosolids research was established at Dookie in 2003 with a Canola crop.
Student Projects facilitated as a result of the NBRP in 2005 were:
• The effect of biosolid application on soil phosphorus availability
• The effect of biosolid application on soil biology
• Phosphorus and nitrogen nutrient budgets under biosolid application
• A survey of farmer attitude and knowledge of biosolid application in agriculture
External partners involved in the NBRP in Victoria include Goulburn Valley Water, CSIRO, Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victorian EPA. University of Melbourne staff members facilitating this project at Dookie Campus are Farm Manager, Frank O'Connor, Dr Ken Young & Roger Wrigley.
Further information on the NBRP is available by downloading the NBRP information brochure