This slide is all about compost . composting is the method to put life in the soil. It fertilizes the soil and provide a new growth to plants . it is a proper media for seedling and start cutting
click on link below to watch video
https://youtu.be/uBgcX-zZ4Fo
Compost is simply decomposed organic material. The organic material can be plant material or animal matter. While composting may seem mysterious or complicated, it’s really a very simple and natural process that continuously occurs in nature, often without any assistance from mankind. If you’ve ever walked in the woods, you’ve experienced compost in its most natural setting. Both living plants and annual plants that die at the end of the season are consumed by animals of all sizes, from larger mammals, birds, and rodents to worms, insects, and microscopic organisms. The result of this natural cycle is compost, a combination of digested and undigested food that is left on the forest floor to create rich, usually soft, sweet-smelling soil. Backyard composting is the intentional and managed decomposition of organic materials for the production of compost, that magical soil enhancer that is fundamental to good gardening. Anyone can effectively manage the composting process.
This document by Suhas Dixit is aimed to shed light on composting process. Composting is a process in which the organic waste can be reduced to manure which can be a great source to increase fertility of the soil.
Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose
Compost is simply decomposed organic material. The organic material can be plant material or animal matter. While composting may seem mysterious or complicated, it’s really a very simple and natural process that continuously occurs in nature, often without any assistance from mankind. If you’ve ever walked in the woods, you’ve experienced compost in its most natural setting. Both living plants and annual plants that die at the end of the season are consumed by animals of all sizes, from larger mammals, birds, and rodents to worms, insects, and microscopic organisms. The result of this natural cycle is compost, a combination of digested and undigested food that is left on the forest floor to create rich, usually soft, sweet-smelling soil. Backyard composting is the intentional and managed decomposition of organic materials for the production of compost, that magical soil enhancer that is fundamental to good gardening. Anyone can effectively manage the composting process.
This document by Suhas Dixit is aimed to shed light on composting process. Composting is a process in which the organic waste can be reduced to manure which can be a great source to increase fertility of the soil.
Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose
Vermicompost is the product or process of composting using various worms, usually red wigglers and other earthworms to create a heterogeneous mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste and vermicast (worm castings or worm manure, is the fecal matter of an Earthworm).
Vermicomposting is very economic friendly and very useful for the growth of crops.
Less expensive than chemical fertilizer as well as other fertilizers. It can be used for several times.
Vermiculture is the scientific process of culturing of worms in producing vermicompost. Vermicompost is nutrient rich worm castes. Worm castes is excreted product of worms which obtain in provides organic/biodegradable as a food source for worms. These vermicomposting method is very perfect for producing biofertilizers. Advantages and Disadvantages are mentioned here.
Vermicompost is the product or process of composting using various worms, usually red wigglers and other earthworms to create a heterogeneous mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste and vermicast (worm castings or worm manure, is the fecal matter of an Earthworm).
Vermicomposting is very economic friendly and very useful for the growth of crops.
Less expensive than chemical fertilizer as well as other fertilizers. It can be used for several times.
Vermiculture is the scientific process of culturing of worms in producing vermicompost. Vermicompost is nutrient rich worm castes. Worm castes is excreted product of worms which obtain in provides organic/biodegradable as a food source for worms. These vermicomposting method is very perfect for producing biofertilizers. Advantages and Disadvantages are mentioned here.
Pulses consumption for economic, social and human well-being: Lessons learne...ExternalEvents
http://www.fao.org/globalsoilpartnership/en/
This presentation was presentaed during the seminar Soils & Pulses: symbiosis for life that took place at FAO HQ on 19 Apr 2016. it was made by Federica Servili and it presents the lessons learned in Malawi on pulses consumption.
Pulses such as lentils, dried beans, peas and chickpeas have been staple foods for many civilizations. Yet today, their nutritional benefits are often greatly underestimated. In some cultures pulses have a stigma of being a ‘poor man’s food’ and are replaced by meat once people can afford meat.
For the bioprocessing and biopharmaceutical professional, this presentation discusses the topic:
Is Standardization Possible in a Custom Single-use World.
Key learning objectives are:
1. Understand why single-use design processes can become protracted
2. Understand how standardization can help to shorten the design phase
3. Discuss the opportunities for standardization in single use
This presentation was first given as a live webinar by Guy Matthews to an audience of biopharmaceutical professionals from around the world in June 2016.
Guy Matthews has worked in the biopharm industry for the last 20 years during which he has been involved in many projects implementing single-use technology in bioprocessing. Guy now works as Market Development Manager for Parker domnick hunter where he is focused on bringing Parker's expertise in motion and control to bioprocessing.
Solid Waste Compost Plant - DCC Infra, Composting is a natural process that turns organic materials into dark substances. A Thai substance called humus is a wonderful conditioner for soil. Organic Waste Composter, Organic Waste Composting, Waste Composting Machine, Organic Waste Composter, Composting Machine, OWC Machines
Growing on Clay Soils; by Vegan Organic Network
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For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
School Gardening Guide - Composting in the School Garden ~ Massachusetts
|=> Farmers, gardeners, homeowners and schools all over Massachusetts are recycling food and yard wastes at the source, reducing the waste flow, protecting the environment and utilizing this valuable soil amendment. Adding a composting program to your school garden is also a way to teach first hand about soil science, decomposition and environmental sustainability. This guide provides an introduction to the science, how-to and options for school composting
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For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double your School Garden Food Production with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases School Garden Food Production by 250 Percent
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
Composting in the School Garden
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
In recent years, it is no doubt that in India, where on one side pollution is increasing day by day due to accumulation of organic waste and on the other side there is a great shortage of organic manure.
It has been estimated that India, as a whole, generates as much as 25 million tonnes of urban solid waste of diverse composition per year. Solid waste comprises of both organic and inorganic matter.
Under the present condition of environmental degradation, vermicomposting technology is the best way to meet all the requirements of the society. This is a process of recycling trash/agricultural wastes in an efficient and eco-friendly manner in order to produce quality compost.
Organic wastes can be broken down and fragmented rapidly by earthworms, resulting in a stable non-toxic material with good structure, which has a potentially high economic value and also acts as a soil conditioner for plant growth.
It is a type of composting in which worms eat and metabolize organic matter that comprises to a better end product known as Vermicast (commonly called as BLACK GOLD) which has a stuff of nutrients that can be directly incorporated into the soil to help with plant fertilization, soil enrichment and soil stability.From a social point of view, organic fertilizers will:
Improve the social status of the individuals and the community.
Create motivation for people to live in the countryside by providing job
opportunities and business plans.
From a hygienic point of view, organic fertilizers will:
Produce chemical-free crops which will improve people's health.
Reduce the danger of lung diseases and other diseases resulting from burning the organic wastes in the field.EPIGEIC EARTHWORMS:
Earthworms of this group cannot make burrows in the soil. They can only move through crevices of the surface. They feed exclusively on decomposing organic wastes.
ENDOGEIC EARTHWORMS:
They are subsoil dwellers. Secretions of body wall of earthworms cement and smoothen the walls of the burrows and protect the wall from collapsing easily. They move below 30cm or more in the soil
ANECIC EARTHWORMS:
They are found in the soil, which is not frequently disturbed. They make very complicated burrows in the sol and they firmly pack their burrow walls with their castings. The Anecic earthworms like Epigeic earthworms are commonly found in temperate countries.Vermicompost is an excellent soil additive made up of digested compost. Worm castings are much higher in nutrients and microbial life and therefore, are considered as a higher value product. Worm castings contain up to 5 times the plant available nutrients. It not only adds microbial organisms and nutrients that have long lasting residual effects, it also modulates structure to the existing soil, increases water retention capacity. Vermicompost contains an average of 1.5% - 2.2% N, 1.8% - 2.2% P and 1.0% - 1.5% K. The organic carbon is ranging from 9.15 to 17.98 and contains micronutrients Nitrogen, phosphorus, Potassium..
Edible School Garden Educational Handout
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For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
Basic presentation that can be used for schools interested in school gardens aimed for Qld Australia extensive national grants links,feel free to use and improve
ORGANIC FARMING : COMMON ORGANIC MANURES SMGsajigeorge64
A brief account of common organic manures - Bone meal, cow dung, poultry wastes, oil cakes, organic mixtures, compost and vermicompost, vermiwash , advantages and disadvantages of composting & vermicomposting.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
Diabetes is a rapidly and serious health problem in Pakistan. This chronic condition is associated with serious long-term complications, including higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Aggressive treatment of hypertension and hyperlipideamia can result in a substantial reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes 1. Consequently pharmacist-led diabetes cardiovascular risk (DCVR) clinics have been established in both primary and secondary care sites in NHS Lothian during the past five years. An audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery at the clinics was conducted in order to evaluate practice and to standardize the pharmacists’ documentation of outcomes. Pharmaceutical care issues (PCI) and patient details were collected both prospectively and retrospectively from three DCVR clinics. The PCI`s were categorized according to a triangularised system consisting of multiple categories. These were ‘checks’, ‘changes’ (‘change in drug therapy process’ and ‘change in drug therapy’), ‘drug therapy problems’ and ‘quality assurance descriptors’ (‘timer perspective’ and ‘degree of change’). A verified medication assessment tool (MAT) for patients with chronic cardiovascular disease was applied to the patients from one of the clinics. The tool was used to quantify PCI`s and pharmacist actions that were centered on implementing or enforcing clinical guideline standards. A database was developed to be used as an assessment tool and to standardize the documentation of achievement of outcomes. Feedback on the audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery and the database was received from the DCVR clinic pharmacist at a focus group meeting.
Micro RNA genes and their likely influence in rice (Oryza sativa L.) dynamic ...Open Access Research Paper
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs molecules having approximately 18-25 nucleotides, they are present in both plants and animals genomes. MiRNAs have diverse spatial expression patterns and regulate various developmental metabolisms, stress responses and other physiological processes. The dynamic gene expression playing major roles in phenotypic differences in organisms are believed to be controlled by miRNAs. Mutations in regions of regulatory factors, such as miRNA genes or transcription factors (TF) necessitated by dynamic environmental factors or pathogen infections, have tremendous effects on structure and expression of genes. The resultant novel gene products presents potential explanations for constant evolving desirable traits that have long been bred using conventional means, biotechnology or genetic engineering. Rice grain quality, yield, disease tolerance, climate-resilience and palatability properties are not exceptional to miRN Asmutations effects. There are new insights courtesy of high-throughput sequencing and improved proteomic techniques that organisms’ complexity and adaptations are highly contributed by miRNAs containing regulatory networks. This article aims to expound on how rice miRNAs could be driving evolution of traits and highlight the latest miRNA research progress. Moreover, the review accentuates miRNAs grey areas to be addressed and gives recommendations for further studies.
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
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Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
Television Appearances
Nelson's char
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
growbilliontrees.com-Trees for Granddaughter (1).pdf
Washington compost-guide
1. The Beauty of Your Lawn & Garden
Blossoms from the Soil
AUSER'SGUIDETO
COMPOST
Compost adds organic material and nutrients to the soil,
increases water-holding capacity and biological activity,
and improves plant growth and health.
2. The Beauty of Your Lawn and Garden
Blossoms from the Soil
Thank you for your interest in compost.
Compost is a versatile product with many benefits. It enhances
soil quality, helps save water, and supports your community’s
efforts to recycle organic debris. All this helps to conserve our
natural resources and reduces the amount of material sent to the
landfill.
Compost-amended soil also helps break down pollutants and
absorb stormwater runoff. By making nutrients slowly available
to plants and enhancing plant health, compost can reduce the
need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. All these benefits
help protect our lakes, rivers, and marine waters from pollution
and excessive runoff.
Compost is a natural amendment for your lawn or garden, and
can be used regularly to enrich your soil. This guide is designed
to help you get the most from the compost that you buy.
A project of the Washington Organic Recycling Council, with
support from the Washington State Department of Ecology’s
Public Participation Grant program.
This product was partly funded through a grant from the
Washington Department of Ecology. While these materials
were reviewed for grant consistency, this does not necessarily
constitute endorsement by the department.
Special thanks: the original version of this brochure in 2003
was created by the Washington County, Oregon Solid Waste and
Recycling Program in cooperation with the Washington Organic
Recycling Council and the Composting Council of Oregon.
original artwork provided by:
www.compostwashington.orgwww.ecy.wa.gov
www.soilsforsalmon.org
3. Compost: A Natural Cycle
Composting is a natural process in which micro-
organisms and macro-organisms break down organic
material (leaves, twigs, grass, etc.) into a dark crum-
bly soil amendment. Modern compost facilities use
the same natural biological composting process.
Their controlled-temperature process works faster,
breaks down pesticide residues, and also kills weed
seeds and plant diseases.
Compost improves soil structure and plant
growth by
• Replenishing soil organic matter, and storing
nutrients in plant-available forms
• Supporting beneficial soil life
• Reducing erosion and water run-off
• Loosening clay soils for better root
development (increasing soil pore space)
• Retaining moisture in sandy soils so
plants need less watering.
Compost Beginnings
The yard debris or food scraps* that you
place into your home compost bin, take to
a drop-off site, or set out for curbside
collection could become the compost that
you later use on your garden, lawn, and
flowerbeds.
It is essential to place only quality organic
material into the composting process. Here
are some tips:
l The products you use or spray in your
yard can end up in the compost process.
Carefully read the labels of pesticide and
herbicide products you use. (See page 9.)
l Please keep yard debris free of :
x Garbage
x Plastic of any sort
- Plastic plant pots
- Plastic plant tabs
- Plastic bags (if you want to bag
your yard debris, use paper
garden bags - available at most
garden centers)
x Rock, brick, or masonry
x Glass or metal
x Pet waste.
* Many localities now collect food scraps and
food-soiled paper along with yard debris for
composting. Call your local collection service
to find out what is collected in your area.
4. Building Rich and Healthy Soil
With Compost
To grow healthy plants you need healthy soil.
Healthy Soil:
l Is teeming with life! Healthy soil is a miniature ecosystem.
A teaspoon of healthy soil will have upwards of four billion
tiny organisms which recycle nutrients, suppress disease, and
discourage pests.
l Retains moisture but allows drainage. Healthy soil has
structure that allows water to drain through, retains moisture,
and promotes strong root growth.
l Is full of organic nutrients. Plants depend on the micro-
organisms found in healthy organic-rich soil to provide
nutrients to their roots, and help them thrive.
A healthy garden and landscape is naturally resistant to pests,
drought, weeds, and diseases. Maintaining healthy soil may allow
you to reduce use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Soil is a planting medium. Compost is a soil amendment.
Do not place plants directly into 100% compost.
Ask your supplier or see next page for mixes for different uses.
Washington State Encourages the Use of Compost,
to Protect Our Water Quality
The Washington State Department of Ecology recommends that soils
on construction sites be restored with compost before planting, and also
encourages the use of compost for construction site erosion control, to reduce
stormwater runoff and help keep our rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound clean.
Learn more at www.SoilsforSalmon.org or www.BuildingSoil.org.
Applications for Compost
Planting New Garden Beds or Lawns
Spread a 2-4 inch layer of compost and mix into the upper 6-12
inches of existing soil: use more in sandy soils, and less in heavy clay.
Reapply ½-1 inch annually on garden beds.
Mulch (surface applications on landscape beds)
Spread a 1-2 inch layer of coarse, woody compost. To allow proper
airflow, it is best not to pile mulch around the stems of trees and
shrubs. Pull mulch 1-2 inches away from stems.
Top Dressing for Lawns
Spread a ¼ to ½ inch layer of fine screened compost, and rake it into
the lawn. For best results, plug-aerate the lawn before top-dressing.
Overseeding at the same time will thicken thin patches in lawns.
Blended (Manufactured) Topsoils
Good quality “topsoil” products usually include 10-40% compost by
volume, mixed with a sandy loam soil that allows good drainage.
These compost-soil blends help establish healthy lawns and gardens.
When to Use Compost?
• Any time you’re preparing soil for planting
• Mulching beds and gardens in spring, summer, or fall
• Top-dressing lawns in spring or fall.
5. How Much Compost to Use
l Estimate the planting area (Math Hint: Square feet = length x width)
l Decide upon the appropriate application depth of the compost (page 4)
l Use the charts below to estimate your compost needs. (Abbreviations: ft = foot; yd = yard; sq = square; cu = cubic.)
l Conversions: 9 square feet = 1 square yard; 27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard.
Plot Size # of Sq Feet 1/2” Deep - Mulching 2” Deep - Amending new
or Top-dressing lawns or gardens
5' x 10' plot 50 sq ft 2.08 cu ft of compost 8.33 cu ft of compost (0.31 cu yd)
10' x 10' plot 100 sq ft 4.17 cu ft of compost 16.66 cu ft of compost (0.62 cu yd)
20 x 50' plot 1000 sq ft 41.7 cu ft of compost 166.7 cu ft of compost (6.2 cu yd)
1 acre 43,600 sq ft 1,815 cu ft of compost (67 cu yd) 7,257 cu ft of compost (268 cu yd)
Question: I have a plot about this big, how much compost do I buy?
Compost Quantity 1/2” Deep - Mulching 2” Deep - Amending new
or Top-dressing lawns or gardens
1 cu ft bag of compost 24 sq foot area 6 sq foot area
1.5 cu ft bag of compost 36 sq foot area 9 sq foot area
2.2 cu ft bag of compost 53 sq foot area 13 sq foot area
2.5 cu ft bag of compost 60 sq foot area 15 sq foot area
1 cubic yard of compost 648 sq foot area 162 sq foot area
Compost Works! Soil blending trials conducted in 2008 by the Washington Organic Recycling Council, with funding from the Washington Department of Ecology,
demonstrated that compost improves soil structure (lowers bulk density), nutrient availability (increases cation exchange capacity), moisture holding
capacity, and supplies both nutrients that plants need and organic matter that supports soil life. See the 2008 Soil Blending Trial report at
www.compostwashington.org.
Question: If I buy this much compost, how many square feet will it cover?
6. The Composting Process
Even though there are a variety of composting methods, most
composting follows a similar process:
1. Grinding Organic Materials:
Depending on the facility, the feedstock (material) available, and
the desired compost product, different combinations of materials
are added together and ground into small pieces:
• Nitrogen-rich materials (such as grass, fresh plant
cuttings, biosolids, and manures)
• Carbon-rich materials (such as dried leaves, woody
materials, and straw).
2. Heating Up:
The material is placed into piles where it begins to heat up from
the biological activity of the compost microbes. Typically, com-
post temperatures are required to reach at least 131 degrees F in a
specified time period in order to destroy weed seeds and patho-
gens. The compost is turned or aerated, allowing the composting
microbes to breathe. After a period of time, the nitrogen-rich
material is depleted, the biological process slows, and the hot
compost begins to cool.
3. Finishing:
Typically “finished” compost has undergone a series of steps to
ensure maturity and stability. The cooling compost is aged, which
allows the decomposition process to slow down and the finished
compost to stabilize.
The end products you purchase may be entirely compost, or a
combination of compost blended with uncomposted additives
(such as peat, bark, minerals, or soil).
Selecting Quality Compost
Compost is available in many product types and blends that may be
used for different gardening applications. The type of feedstock,
the composting process, and any supplementary additives determine
the end product.
Many facilities offer a variety of blends based on compost, such as
garden mix, potting soil, planting mix, mulches, turf top-dressing
and soil blends.
What to Look for in Compost
For most compost applications you will want a finished product that
has matured and stabilized. Look for material
l with a dark, crumbly texture
l with a mild odor
For most compost applications you will not want compost that is
extremely dry or wet, or extremely hot. (Note that it is okay for
compost to be warm and to give off some steam and mild odor.)
Quality Testing at Composting Facilities
Feel free to ask your compost provider if they have a quality control
program, and ask for test results. Compost facilities in Washington
are permitted by the Department of Ecology and must meet
standards for both the composting process and contaminants,
ensuring a quality product. Some facilities also participate in the
“Seal of Testing Assurance” (STA) testing program. See
“Resources” on page 11 to learn more.
Remember:
Your compost provider can help you pick the best compost mix
for your needs.
7. Compost Questions and Answers
What is compost?
Compost is a natural humus-like soil amendment that results from
the controlled aerobic (with oxygen) decomposition of organic
materials. Compost is not soil – it should be mixed with soil. It is
not fertilizer, although it contains many slowly released nutrients.
What materials (“feedstocks”) are used to make compost?
Compost facilities in Washington recycle a variety of organic
materials, including yard debris, food scraps, manure, biosolids,
forest residuals like sawdust and bark, construction wood, and
agricultural residues. All of these materials can be used to produce
high quality compost. Your supplier can tell you which materials
they compost.
How do I know I’m getting safe, quality compost?
Fortunately, in Washington we have strict permitting and production
standards for compost facilities, that include both time and
temperature requirements and contaminant limits.
What about weed seeds, plant diseases or pesticide residues?
The controlled time, aeration, and temperature process required in
Washington has been shown to kill weed seeds and plant diseases.
That same process breaks down most pesticide residues. There are
a few agricultural pesticides that are not easily broken down, and
permitted Washington compost manufacturers carefully watch their
feedstocks to keep those materials out of the composting process.
Comparing Landscape Products
A variety of soil and landscape products are sold. Here’s a
comparison:
Compost is stable, decomposed organic matter, excellent for
improving soil structure, fertility, moisture holding capacity, and
plant growth.
Mulch is any material applied to the soil surface. Woody mulches
(high in carbon, low in nitrogen) like wood chips, bark and woody
composts are great for woody plants. Annual plants should be
mulched with nutrient-balanced mulches like compost, grass
clippings, or leaves.
Peat Moss is partially decayed sphagnum moss from peat bogs. It
provides soil porosity, but not the nutrients or biological diversity for
healthy soil that compost provides.
Fertilizers are concentrated sources of plant nutrients, used in small
amounts to supplement natural soil fertility.
Topsoil that is sold is usually not native topsoil. Quality
manufactured topsoils are a blend of native sandy sub-soils with
composted organic matter to support soil life.
Ask Your Compost Supplier
Whether you’re buying direct from the composting facility, or from a local
vendor, here are some good questions to ask:
• What ingredients go into your compost?
• What compost products or blends do you sell?
• Are there quality control or testing results available for these
products? (These may be on the manufacturer’s website.)
• Which product is best for my intended use?
• What application rate do you recommend?
• How much do I need for my area? (Or see pages 4-6.)
8. Resources
Compost Organizations
Washington Organic Recycling Council
Find a compost producer in your area
www.compostwashington.org
US Composting Council
Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) program
www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/sta/
Restoring the Soil to Protect our Waterways
www.soilsforsalmon.org
Compost amendment and erosion control
during construction: information for builders
www.buildingsoil.org
Natural Lawn & Garden Care, Soils, and Home
Composting
City of Seattle
www.seattle.gov/util/services/yard
King County
www.kingcounty.gov/soils
Washington State University
www.puyallup.wsu.edu/soilmgmt/