Does sewage sludge count as artificial fertilizer?

Question

Does sewage sludge and human waste count as artificial fertilizer, or natural like manure? This question does sound a little weird, but thats science coursework for ya. ;) (Sorry if i got the wrong category btw)

Answer 1

It is organic. Sewage sludge is being used as fertilizer in many countries around the world. It is not considered as a safe practice, especially if not used properly. Currently, 54 percent of the six million tons of sewage sludge generated every year is processed, rechristened as bio-solids and used as fertilizer — more sludge than is disposed of through incineration and landfill combined. Use of sewage as a fertilizer is a good way to recycle nutrients and takes care of a huge environmental problem as well, but the use of sewage needs to be researched and monitored to assure it is safe and applied in a proper manner. The use of sewage as s sludge is not a practice that should be encouraged though. A few sites that you should look over:

http://www.ejnet.org/sludge/nsa/nsa103.h...

http://blogfishx.blogspot.com/2007/06/se...

lhttp://www.mindfully.org/Farm/2004/Sewag...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/10/2...

Answer 2

no do not use that!!!

Answer 3

It is considered natural but not safe even though it is not chemical. It is an example of the gray in the world of the black and white. The nature of sewage sludge depends on the processing and any amendments as well as the source. One needs to take care for a great many reasons. It is never used on human food, or animal food that will eventually be consumed by humans (field dressing for milk animals or meat animals). Heavy metals and other contaminates tend to concentrate as they go up the food chain. Sewage sludge is frequently advertised as an organic product but only under the word of the law. So many chemicals find their way into our waste receptacles, especially in the cities, that it is not safe. Pathogens are generally destroyed. For legal definition, manure or waste is frequently defined organic with no regard to what the composition is. Keep in mind at this point that those that certify organic are not governmental agencies, but private companies paid to certify. The only safe organic sewage sludge is that which is uncontaminated by cleaners and from those whose intake of foods and water are from "safe places". In places where an out house is used and diet is one that keeps questionable foods/ contaminates out of the system, it is more than organic; it is safe. In terms of your question only, it is natural. In that definition, do not conclude that it is organic, as it is not, and do not consider it is safe (is the gun loaded?) unless you personally can look and see before you put it in your face.