5 Compost Utilization
The system that you choose to use will determine what kind of end uses are recommended.
Compost use Considerations
While compost is a natural and beneficial soil amendment, it must be applied judiciously, as its improper use has the potential to cause damage and is not suitable for all environments. The following should be considered before utilizing the end Compost product.
Maturity
- Typically, if the Compost material looks and smells like a good forest soil it is mature.
- However, it is best if Compost is left to sit for at least 30 days before use as immature Compost can “burn” plants due to too much nitrogen.
- Maturity can be tested using a Solvita Test or Water cress test
Weed Seeds
- If material containing weeds or weed seeds is used in the Composting process there may be weeds seeds left in the finished Compost.
- Weed seeds are typically only a concern if the Compost is used on a home garden, manicured lawn or ecologically important areas. This may or may not be a concern for other uses.
- If the Composting process that is used has a heating phase and has reached temperatures above 130 degrees Fahrenheit for over 3 days the weed seeds will be inactivated.
Pathogens
- Occasionally food products are contaminated with pathogens such as E-coli, Salmonella etc.
- Pathogens are typically only a concern if the Compost will touch food that will be eaten. i.e. in a home garden. This is likely not a concern for use on lawns, trees or other uses.
- If the Composting process has a heating phase and has reached temperatures above 130 degrees Fahrenheit for over 3 days the pathogens will be destroyed.
Contaminants
- Plastic and other contaminants can make their way into Composting feed stocks and therefore the end product.
- Grass clippings or vegetable peelings that have been exposed to herbicides or pesticides are not typically a concern as a well managed composting system will break down these chemical residues.
Rules and Regulations
- The sale of Compost is regulated under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) under the Fertilizer act. If compost is to be sold it must meet regulations and labelling requirements listed under this act.
- The Sale of Vermicast (the compost product produced utilizing Vermicomposting) is not currently regulated.
- The use of dehydrated food scraps that are the product of food grinder/dehydrator units are not currently regulated.
It is important to note that Composting is a natural process whereby organic matter on the ground is broken down and reincorporated back into the soil. (Think of the layer of soil in the forest that supports the plant life) Any use of Compost should consider this and ensure that the use of Compost is mimicking it’s use in nature to improve the soil.
Mature Compost
Once your organic material has gone through the Composting Process and has sat for at least 30 days to mature and it smells and looks like soil it is ready for use. (If you are unfamiliar with the smell of soil, I invite you to go for walk in the forest and take a handful of soil and give it a good sniff, it is delightful).
Using your Compost
The main use of Compost is to improve the soil. Compost will help the soil retain moisture, improve soil fertility, and increase life in the soil for greater biodiversity and resilience.
These are a few ideas on how to use the Compost you make on site:
- Distribute it to staff to use in gardens, lawns, orchards etc.
- Top Dress the lawn on site for greener grass
- Start a vegetable garden and use the Compost to help grow healthier soil and plants
- Rehabilitate or reclaim degraded or disturbed land on site
- If it meets CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) Fertilizer act regulations – bag and sell the Compost for additional revenue.
Note for Home Garden Use
If you are using the Compost to grow food, there are a few other things to consider. If there are potential pathogens, diseased plants or weed seeds in the original feedstock, you will want the Compost to reach over 130 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of at least 3 days before you can be confident that the finished Compost does not contain pathogens, or weed seeds that will disrupt your food growing plans. Utilize the Compost Method Comparison to determine which system will best meet your needs.
A chemical element crucial for living organisms and plays essential roles in various biological processes, including composting. Nitrogen-rich materials, often referred to as "greens," include items like kitchen scraps, fresh plant material, and manure. Nitrogen is balanced with Carbon in the Composting process to transform the raw organic material into the stable humus product recognized as Compost.
A Compost Maturity Test that measures CO2 and NH3 respiration.
Compost Maturity test that utilizes watercress seeds to determine Compost maturity. Watercress is susceptible to compost immaturity and will not germinate or thrive in immature compost.
A natural process that turns organic material into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The process involves the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers.
Nutrient-rich organic material produced through the process of vermicomposting, also known as worm castings or worm poop.
Composting with red wiggler worms in a controlled and enclosed environment to produce a nutrient- rich compost called Vermicast.
The leftover or discarded portions of food that are not consumed or used.
Substances derived from living organisms or once-living matter. These materials originate from plants, animals, microorganisms, and other living organisms.