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FEBRUARY 2017 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC


39 Residual plastic in biosolids add to concerns


Many people are aware of the growing problem of plastics in our oceans and the hazards they pose to marine life and fish stocks. But many may not realize the hazards that could be posed by microplastics in agricultural soil from the application of sewage sludge, or biosolids. In fact, there could be greater levels of microplastics


Research MARGARET EVANS


in the soil than in the ocean warns a new study from the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA).


Biosolids, as fertilizer, are nutrient-rich, organic materials produced from the treatment of domestic sewage sludge. It’s a widespread practice that has been in use around the world for years. Biosolids can boost soil quality, are about a


quarter the cost of chemical fertilizer, and they are arguably a better use of a waste product than shipping it off to the landfill.


But researchers at NIVA and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala are increasingly concerned about the lack of knowledge regarding the potential consequences of microplastics in agricultural soils. Common examples of microplastics are the tiny plastic microbeads in personal care products such as exfoliating shower gels, toothpaste and make-up, all of which are washed down the drain and into the septic system. That waste-water enters a treatment facility that separates the liquids from the solids which become sludge, or biosolids, for spraying on agricultural fields. But microplastics are too small to be specifically separated and can easily be absorbed in the


biosolid product for spraying. “We have found figures from the Nordic countries suggesting that a large fraction of all the


microplastics generated in Western societies tend to end up in the sludge in waste- water treatment plants," says Luca Nizzetto with NIVA. The amount of sewage sludge used as fertilizer varies greatly from country to country but in Europe and North America, it accounts for approximately 50%.


According to a 2014 report, Biosolids Management in Canada, compiled by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), the Greater Vancouver Biosolids Program generates more than 70,000 tonnes of biosolids annually with 65% recycled through reclamation projects, silviculture, ranchland fertilization and landscaping. The rest is stockpiled waiting for new markets. Canadians produce more than 660,000 metric


Celebrate Canada’s first ag day by TAMARA LEIGH


REGINA – On February 16, Canada’s agriculture


community will celebrate the nation’s first Agriculture Day. The initiative is being led by Agriculture More Than Ever, an industry-led initiative that has attracted over 470 partner organizations and 2,100 individuals committed to creating a positive perception of agriculture.


Launched more than four years ago, Agriculture More Than Ever’s goal is to encourage those involved in agriculture to speak up and speak positively about the industry.


“It’s all about showing our love, pride and passion for an industry that puts food on our tables,” says Candace Hill, manager of Ag More Than Ever.


Hill invites members of the agriculture industry to find ways, formal and informal, large and small, to promote and celebrate Canadian agriculture on February 16. “It could be having a dinner and conversation, doing a public event, repurposing materials you already have, or sharing your message on social media,” says Hill.


Participants can get information, ideas and register their events at


AgDay.ca. Registration for events in BC has been slow, but with the BC Agriculture Council’s push for an industry-wide public trust initiative, they are hoping to see strong participation from the sector. Executive director, Reg Ens, is encouraging all BCAC members to participate.


“Any time farmers and consumers can talk about our food, how it is grown and raised, and what is important to each of us, it helps us understand each other,” says Ens. “Through better understanding, we increase the gratification of this relationship.”


tons of dry, stabilized biosolids every year.


The problem is that, while sewage sludge is treated to remove a variety of substances, the Norwegian researchers said microplastics are not currently on the regulatory agenda.


Microplastics are extremely small, less than five


millimetres long, and Nizzetto and his colleagues estimate that between 110,000 and 730,000 tons of microplastics are transferred every year into agricultural soils in Europe and North America respectively. Through seasonal weather conditions, runoff and erosion, they find their way into streams, rivers and eventually into the ocean where they are mistaken for food by small organisms and work their way up the food chain to commercial fisheries. Scientists already calculate the harm microplastics do to oysters, crustaceans and other filter feeders. But what about worms in soils?


While focus has been on the ocean, just as much focus needs to be paid to the impact of tiny pieces of plastic on farmland and how they interact with the ecology of the soils used for the production of food crops.


An earlier study from the same authors, who


collaborated with researchers from Oxford University, the first mathematical model describing the dynamics of the fate of microplastics in terrestrial environments and rivers. But due to a lack of data on microplastics emissions and concentrations in soils and streams, the study was conducted to provide a purely theoretical, if rigorous, assessment of microplastics circulation.


The model is called INCA Microplastics and simulations have shown a strong influence of meteorological conditions and river characteristics and flows in controlling the movement of microplastics from agricultural soils to the ocean. The system is an important tool for risk assessment and it is the first model able to simulate microplastic applications to land and the consequent fate of these materials in soils and surface waters.


“Clearly, further research is needed to get an overview of the problem and to find solutions so that the growing need in the community for recycling and so-called circular economy can be safeguarded," Nizzetto says.


Sales Agronomist - Horticulture


Okanagan Fertilizer requires a Sales Agronomist to service our rapidly growing Lower Mainland horticulture client base. The successful applicant will be eager to increase sales and will excel within an incentive based compensation system. Post secondary education in agriculture or horticulture, business or a related field is preferred. Strong sales and communication skills are critical.


Job responsibilities include:


• Driving sales to new and existing clients by providing industry leading crop-input products and superior agronomic support.


• Meeting clients on-farm through daily travel within the Lower Mainland.


• Working with management in developing sales strategy and sales targets, including weekly reports of sales activity.


• Developing expertise in the areas of plant and soil fertility as well as weed, disease and insect management.


• Providing on-site soil sampling, plant tissue sampling, crop scouting and related agronomic services.


• Representing Okanagan Fertilizer at grower meetings, trade shows, industry events, etc.


Compensation will be based on sales performance and industry experience.


This position will be filled as soon as possible. Please send your resume to Ken Clancy by e-mail at ken@okfert.com


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