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The METROGRO Farm
The METROGRO Farm, recipient of EPA's National Biosolids Management Award in 2004  , consists of about 52,000 dryland farm and pasture acres located approximately 65 miles east of metropolitan Denver. The property is divided into three parts: METROGRO Farm North, Central and South. Winter wheat grown in rotation with a fallow period is the main crop on METROGRO Farm. The marginal for crop production as Pasture areas are often used for sheep and cattle grazing.
Common wildlife found on the METROGRO Farm: coyotes, deer, antelope, rabbits, field mice, bull snakes, rattlesnakes, hawks, doves, and meadow larks. On occasion, one might see badgers, box turtles, lizards, foxes, and lark buntings.
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Land Application of Biosolids
Before land applying biosolids, a soil sample is taken to determine nutrient and organic matter levels in the soil. This information is used in conjunction with the amount of available nitrogen in the biosolids to calculate the appropriate nutrient loading rate for the specific crop to be grown. The loading rate is typically expressed as pounds of nitrogen per acre. At the staging area, biosolids are loaded into a modified manure spreader similar to those used in typical agricultural operations. The spreader travels the field, driving a specific speed distributing the biosolids in a predetermined swath pattern. This ensures the nutrient loading rate is met. On fields with slight slopes, the biosolids can be incorporated into the soil using typical tillage implements such as discs, plows, or sweeps. On sloped or erodible fields, biosolids are usually left on the soil surface to minimize erosion. |
Natural Resources
The climate in eastern Colorado is characterized as semi-arid, with an average of 16 inches of precipitation per year. The variability in precipitation year-to-year can be significant: as low as 10 inches and as high as 22 inches. The most common wildlife found on the METROGRO Farm are: coyotes, deer, antelope, jack rabbits, cottontails, field mice, bull snakes, rattlesnakes, hawks, doves, and Meadow Larks. On occasion, one might see box turtles, fox, and Lark Buntings.
The plant life is 80% to 90% grasses such as Switchgrass, Little Bluestem, and western wheatgrass. Less than 10% are forbs, herbaceous non-grass plants such as prairie clover, prairie coneflower, and plains larkspur; and less than 10% are shrubs such as broom snakeweed, prickleypear, and sagebrush. Cottonwood trees can be found in some of the creek beds.
Water
The climate in eastern Colorado is characterized as semi-arid, with an average of 16 inches of precipitation per year. Various stream systems run roughly from southwest to northeast across the METROGRO Farm flow primarily during peak precipitation periods, and dry down to a few scattered puddles during summer and winter. |
Soils
The soils of eastern Colorado where the METROGRO Farm is located are typically low in nutrients and organic matter. They can be vulnerable to erosion by wind and water. The METROGRO Farm soils were formed by sandstone and shale parent material, as well as loam and silt material deposited by winds. Slopes range from 3% to 9% percent. Outcrop areas of sandstone or shale occur on some ridge tops and slopes.
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Monitoring Programs
USGS Monitoring Program
The Metro District participates in a monitoring program with the US Geological Survey to measure the effects of biosolids application in soils, groundwater, surface water and crops at the METRORGRO Farm. For more information please click USGS Monitoring Program
Deep Soil Monitoring Program
The Metro District initiated a long-term Deep Soil Monitoring study at the METROGRO Farm with Colorado State University to evaluate the effects of its biosolids land application program in soil profiles. For more information please click Biosolids Application Plan
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