ALCOSOIL, our biosolids product, is beneficially used in a land application program to reclaim damaged and pasture lands. Resembling crumbly wet dirt, ALCOSOIL is similar to soil humus in both formation and composition. It contains naturally occurring nutrients, minerals, and trace metals essential for healthy soil. Lime is a key component, as it reduces odors and pathogens, and is commonly used by farmers to maintain productive soil.
Positive Impacts
This slideshow below, showcases the transformation of land through ALCOSOIL application, demonstrating its impact on reclaiming mine-damaged areas. By applying ALCOSOIL, landowners have enhanced forage production, saved on fertilizer costs, and supported soil recovery. Before ALCOSOIL, pastures struggled with drought, bare soil, and limited growth. After application, nutrient absorption over winter led to a robust spring flush of grasses and clover, significantly reducing bare spots. One landscape, scarred by mining until 2011, has since flourished with six ALCOSOIL applications, turning it into a thriving habitat for wildlife. Explore the slideshow to see the remarkable difference ALCOSOIL makes over time.
Land application boosts forage production for livestock and aids in reclaiming surface-mined lands.
Annually, 20,300 wet tons (7,500 dry tons) are used on 2,000+ acres, saving farmers $380,320 in 2024 fertilizer costs.
Photo from April 2023, one year after application: ALCOSOIL was used on the left pasture, but not on the right. The difference is clear.
Reclaiming mine land to pasture (Before ALCOSOIL): Clover and grasses were seeded, but drought killed grasses, leaving bare soil and clover patches.
Reclaiming mine land to pasture (ALCOSOIL): After testing soil nutrients, 3.5 dry tons of ALCOSOIL per acre were applied in September. The photo shows the even scatter pattern. The “bumpy soil” you see is ALCOSOIL.
Reclaiming mine land to pasture (After ALCOSOIL): By April, ALCOSOIL absorbed over winter, supporting live roots. Spring growth brought grasses and clover, reducing bare spots.
Reclaimed after 2011 mining, this land has had ALCOSOIL applied six times since 2012. Now it's lush and teeming with wildlife.
ALCOSOIL Through the Years
Explore the journey of land transformation with ALCOSOIL in this slideshow. From reclaiming mine-damaged areas to boosting forage production and wildlife habitat, ALCOSOIL has been a game-changer for agricultural landowners. Witness the progression and see how ALCOSOIL applications over the years have turned barren landscapes into thriving, nutrient-rich pastures.
1991 applications for mine reclamation - Burning Hollow
1992 applications for mine reclamation - Burning Hollow
1994-2010 agricultural applications for pastures on former mine land
1995-2012 agricultural applications for grain corn
1996-2000 agricultural applications for hay production
1998 agricultural application for pastures
2000-2010 agricultural applications for pastures and hay production
2012-2018 agricultural application for pastures
The land application of ALCOSOIL and its use at beneficial sites are strictly regulated by the US EPA, PA DEP, and Ohio EPA. After assessing potential sites and determining if the beneficial use of biosolids is suitable for both the environment and the landowner, permit applications must be submitted to the appropriate regulatory agency for approval. If approved, the land application of ALCOSOIL can proceed. ALCOSAN is committed to regulatory compliance and ensures the protection of all surface waters and potential surface waters.
Download our brochure for more information.
If you’re interested in learning more about ALCOSOIL or getting your land permitted for its use, please reach out for additional information and guidance on the application process.
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