ABSTRACT
The production of pulp for paper manufacture, either from virgin wood or recycled paper, generates large amounts of solid waste. This chapter presents an overview of the use of papermill sludges as soil conditioners and amendments for agricultural, horticultural, and sylvicultural applications. In addition, pertinent research is examined in order to understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with paper sludges as alternative sources of organic matter. To evaluate objectively the potential for papermill sludge use as soil conditioners, the chapter examines the origin, composition, qualities, and characteristics associated with the various sludges arising from paper production, processing, and recycling. Characteristics that should be considered and examined before application as soil conditioners include the physical properties, pH, heavy metal and organic compound concentration, organic carbon fractions (carbon-nitrogen ratio), decomposition patterns and rates, plant nutrient availability (especially nitrogen concentration), salinity, and sodicity.
