The objective of the Compost Use Demonstration is to demonstrate the practical application of compost in landscaping, erosion control and agriculture.
The compost product to be used is produced by Vision Recycling in cooperation with the County of Santa Cruz. Feedstocks include food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings and horse manure. The compost is processed aerobically in an enclosed system for three months, then cured to achieve a mature and stable product. The product is tested in accordance with the U.S. Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance.
Project participants are provided with compost at no cost, but hauling and application is the responsibility of the user. Participants are responsible for any associated soil analyses or application recommendations related to their use of the product.
Outreach component include collection of information on the compost application and performance via interview, photos and video footage with a goal of sharing information on compost use with landscape, horticulture and agriculture professionals as well as residents of Santa Cruz County.
For more information contact Dan deGrassi, County of Santa Cruz Public Works, 831-427-3452, dpw180@co.santa-cruz.ca.us.
Compost Use Demonstration Flyer
Agricultural Use of Compost
Compost is typically incorporated prior to planting row crops, orchards or vineyards to improve soil physical properties and fertility. Compost can also be used to topdress existing orchards and vineyards.
Loading compost into the spreader, Live Earth Farm.
Compost spreader at Live Earth Farm.
Storr’s Winery will incorporate compost before planting a new vineyard.
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Landscaping with Compost
Before planting lawn seed or laying sod, compost should be used to improve soil texture, moisture-holding ability and fertility. Compost is also used to amend soil before planting ornamentals. Compost is especially important for improving sandy soils and clay soils.
The sandy soil at Scott Park was amended with compost prior to planting grass seed.
Rogelio Pineda, El Rancho Gardening, amends soil with compost before planting ornamentals.
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Compost Use for Erosion Control
Compost is used as a topdressing to reduce run off and soil sedimentation, and is mixed with soil to improve water holding ability and resistance to compaction. The micro-organisms in compost aid in the formation of soil aggregates, the building blocks of good soil structure and tilth. Bacteria and fungi attach themselves to soil particles and bind them together, forming aggregate crumbs. When soil particles are aggregated together, they are less likely to erode during rainstorms.
A blower truck was used to apply two-inches of compost to a slope at the Buena Vista Landfill.
Compost for Erosion Control at Buena Vista Landfill.
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Compost Use for Home Gardens
Compost can be incorporated into the garden during soil preparation in the spring. Typically, a 2-3 inch layer of compost is used and it is tilled into the top six inches of soil. Compost can be used in vegetable gardens, annual flower beds, and around new perennials as they are planted. Compost is a good surface mulch for flower beds, vegetable gardens, or around trees and shrubs in landscape beds.
Petra Schultz, Bonny Doon, picked up compost for her garden at the Buena Vista Landfill Compost Site.
Master Gardener Brenda Wood mixes compost with her sandy soil before planting roses.
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For information on financial or technical assistance
for food scrap diversion contact:
| Karin Grobe |
Organic
Recyclers Anonymous
Phone: (831) 427-3452
Email |
