Sprinkler application of chlorinated secondary sewage effluent at levels of 1 or 2 in/wk during the growing season or year-round increased crop yields and forest tree growth except for red pine at the 2 in/wk rate. Harvested crops removed large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, the two key eutrophication nutrients. N and P content of forest foliage was increased but the nutrients were recycled through the litter. Only one deep monitoring well showed higher NO3 and Cl(-) concentration definitely ascribable to the effluent irrigation but still met U.S.P.H.S. drinking water standards. Recharge within one 43.5 acre site was estimated at 65 million gallons per year and resulted in lower pumping costs in two nearby University water supply wells. Data are also reported on hydrologic studies, boron studies, aeration studies, phosphorus adsorption studies and soil chemical changes.

Report prepared by The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, Departments of Agronomy, Forest Science, Agricultural Engineering, Geological Science, and Civil Engineering. "Project 16080 DYJ (formerly WPD 95-04); program element 1BB045." Includes bibliographical references (pages 417-429).