对替代处置方法的经济、监管和法律限制正在提高人们对水处理污泥土地利用的兴趣。在实施陆基处置计划之前，了解农业和环境问题至关重要。水处理污泥可以有利地改变土壤的pH值和持水能力，但通常没有多少肥料价值。通常需要补充磷（P）肥料来抵消这些污泥的强磷结合能力。主要通过控制混凝剂化学品的纯度，可以限制污泥中的重金属浓度。 包括36个参考文献和表格。

Economic, regulatory, and legal constraints on alternative disposal methods are raising interest in land application of water treatment sludges. Understanding the agronomic and environmental issues is essential before a land-based disposal program is implemented. Water treatment sludges may favorably modify the pH and water-holding capacity of soils but generally have little fertilizer value. Supplemental phosphorus (P) fertilizer will usually be needed to offset the strong P-binding capacity of these sludges. Heavy metal concentrations can be limited in sludges primarily by controlling the purity of the coagulant chemicals. Includes 36 references, tables.