Excess nutrients and other chemicals from agricultural, municipal, and industrial operations impact surface and ground water quality. Plant science and engineering have combined forces forming a natural partnership between treating waste and growing trees. The technology of putting fast growing trees to work recycling nutrients from solid and liquid waste is available and increasingly being adopted. This waste treatment approach has emerged as an alternative to other more expensive treatment technologies, such as constructed treatment plants. What to do? Turn waste into a product by applying it to trees. This waste is actually a nutrient and water source for trees. Trees absorb excess nutrients and breakdown harmful chemicals, providing a natural cleaning process for soil and water resources. A major advantage is that trees can be used for a variety of products generating extra income that can potentially diversify the rural economy. Tree plantings also provide visual, noise, and odor buffers, while directly aiding in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide by storing carbon in the wood and soil. The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels has become a worldwide concern. Trees use carbon dioxide for growth and store large amounts of carbon in wood tissue, both above and below ground. Is it right for your operation? This publication addresses the concept of using trees to treat waste and also some key management questions to ask yourself before trees are put to work as your natural solution to water polution. Next page Home | Timely Topics | Upcoming Events | About Agroforestry | About the Center | Publications and Informational Materials | Resource Links | Order Free Publications Online Now! | Site Map Last updated 12.13.2000. Contact us.