Effects of digested, composted, and thermally dried sewage sludge on soil microbiota and mesofauna

► Amendment with sewage sludge has different effects on soil microbial activity and biodiversity. ► Oribatid mites are sensitive to soil amendment with sewage sludge. ► Thermally dried sludge transiently disturbs soil microbial activity. ► Dewatered sludge is detrimental for soil microarthropods.