Northern Tilth, LLC has been providing nutrient management planning services to livestock operations in the northeastern U.S. Their recent grant from the USDA-NRCS in Connecticut focuses on offering technical assistance to improve on-farm composting operations. The grant project aims to enhance composting outcomes, particularly for soil and water quality. This presentation will discuss the lessons… Continue reading SCI.313-Lessons Learned While Providing Technical Assistance to On…-AC25.USCC
Author: Alec Resha
SCI.312-Exploring the Compostability of Agrochemicals-AC25.USCC
This presentation covers the EPA’s compostability studies on agrochemicals to assess their environmental impact. It includes experimental design, feedstock analysis, sampling strategies, and evaluating compost quality, including pesticide residue breakdown and plant growth effects. The aim is to ensure pesticides are used safely for human and environmental health. The content of this course is covered… Continue reading SCI.312-Exploring the Compostability of Agrochemicals-AC25.USCC
SCI.311-Considering the Impact of Biochar Characteristics on Co-Co…-AC25.USCC
Recent research has highlighted the benefits of using biochar as an admixture in co-composting, including improved stabilization rates, reduced odor and VOC emissions, and enhanced nutrient mineralization. However, many studies have lacked quantitative measures of stabilization rates and have not systematically analyzed how biochar properties influence these outcomes. To address these gaps, ECS conducted controlled… Continue reading SCI.311-Considering the Impact of Biochar Characteristics on Co-Co…-AC25.USCC
USE.237-Can Compost Filter Socks Capture Waterborne Contaminants F…-AC25.USCC
Compost filter socks and straw wattles are both used for erosion and sediment control, but they function differently. While wattles trap sediment-laden water until it overflows, compost filter socks allow water to pass through, potentially improving pollutant filtration. This advantage is particularly relevant after wildfires, which release harmful contaminants into runoff. Following the 2018 Camp… Continue reading USE.237-Can Compost Filter Socks Capture Waterborne Contaminants F…-AC25.USCC
USE.238-The Uniqueness of and Markets for Composted Mulches-AC25.USCC
Mulching is a well-established practice that conserves moisture, reduces soil erosion, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Carbon-based mulches, such as compost-derived mulches, offer additional benefits by enriching soil with organic matter and supporting microbial life. With climate change intensifying droughts and heavy rainfall, mulching will become even more essential in soil and plant management.… Continue reading USE.238-The Uniqueness of and Markets for Composted Mulches-AC25.USCC
USE.324-Compost Inclusion Effect on Soil PH Over Time-AC25.USCC
Naturcycle, a leading compost marketing and engineered soils firm in the northeastern U.S., is conducting research on compost pH and soil interactions. While compost typically has a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.0–8.5), its long-term effects on soil pH can vary due to biological activity and nutrient additions. The study, conducted in partnership with Penn… Continue reading USE.324-Compost Inclusion Effect on Soil PH Over Time-AC25.USCC
FAC.230-Moving Renaming Permitting the Shakopee Mdewakanton Siou…-AC25.USCC
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) has operated a turned windrow composting facility in Shakopee, Minnesota, since 2011, quickly reaching its 70,000 tpy capacity due to increasing food waste diversion mandates. To meet growing demand, SMSC invested in relocating and expanding the operation. This presentation will detail the challenges faced in site selection, permitting, regulatory… Continue reading FAC.230-Moving Renaming Permitting the Shakopee Mdewakanton Siou…-AC25.USCC
VIS.225-Everything You Want to Know About Every Step of a Successf…-AC25.USCC
Compo-Haut-Richelieu Inc. (CHR), a public-private partnership in Québec, has successfully built and commissioned the province’s first fully enclosed compost facility. This project navigated regulatory, financial, and operational challenges to create a state-of-the-art 50,000-metric-ton-per-year facility. The presentation will cover planning and orientation, including CHR’s strategic PPP structure and collection programs, as well as the design and… Continue reading VIS.225-Everything You Want to Know About Every Step of a Successf…-AC25.USCC
USE.323-Soil Water Repellency in Compost Based Substrates-AC25.CREF
With global growing media demand expected to rise 400% by 2050, Florida’s $2.3 billion horticulture industry is exploring alternatives to peat and coir. Locally sourced compost could be a viable substitute, but its soil water repellency (SWR) must be assessed to ensure consistent performance. Greenhouse trials examined SWR in compost-based media and tested surfactant applications… Continue reading USE.323-Soil Water Repellency in Compost Based Substrates-AC25.CREF
SCI.310-Assessing Household Food Waste Generation in the San Joaqu…-AC25.CREF
This study explores decentralized composting in California’s San Joaquin Valley to support SB 1383’s goal of diverting 75% of organic waste from landfills. Researchers surveyed 400 households, finding that each produces an average of 530 pounds of food waste annually. While 79% are willing to compost at home and 74% support curbside collection, only 26%… Continue reading SCI.310-Assessing Household Food Waste Generation in the San Joaqu…-AC25.CREF