Effects of tannery sludge application on physiological and fatty acid profiles of the soil microbial community

► Tannery sludge disposal and recycling in agricultural soil. ► Impact of the tannery sludge application in the soil microbial community. ► The higher sludge rate changed the CLPP and PLFA profiles of soil microorganisms. ► The CLPP and PLFA profile responses are likely due to changes mainly in soil pH and N content.