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
Category: Composting Science
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
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
SCI.212-Comparative Analysis of Mesh Bag Field Testing Method-AC25.USCC
This session will examine the widely used mesh-bag method for field testing compostability, addressing concerns about its accuracy compared to real-world composting conditions. Multi-year data on moisture, temperature, and microbial communities inside and outside mesh bags, evaluating statistical significance and reproducibility are presented. The discussion will also compare mesh-bag and bagless methods, highlighting their challenges… Continue reading SCI.212-Comparative Analysis of Mesh Bag Field Testing Method-AC25.USCC
SCI.111-Key Field Testing Results from the New CFTP Field Testing …-AC25.CREF
The Compostable Field Testing Program (CFTP) helps composters assess compostable foodware and packaging in real-world conditions. In 2024, it released public field testing data, providing insights into product disintegration. An interactive dashboard allows users to explore results based on material type and composting conditions. The presentation will cover key findings, operational implications, and guidance for… Continue reading SCI.111-Key Field Testing Results from the New CFTP Field Testing …-AC25.CREF
SCI.110-Zoo Manure and Urban Composting-AC25.USCC
The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has operated the nation’s most comprehensive zoo manure composting program for over 40 years, composting around 1,000 tons of animal waste and bedding annually. Their aerated static pile system efficiently processes waste, making their Zoo Doo compost highly sought after by gardeners. The program serves as a model for… Continue reading SCI.110-Zoo Manure and Urban Composting-AC25.USCC
SCI.211-Impact of Soil Amended with Compost on Orchard Nutritional Dynamics and Horticultural Performance.-AC24.CREF
This study investigates the effects of compost applications on soil health, nutrient dynamics, yield, and fruit quality in southeastern U.S. fruit orchards. High-input systems have depleted soils, prompting excessive synthetic fertilizer use and nutrient loss. Compost, an alternative, aims to enhance soil health and sustainability. The study assesses compost impact on nutritional status, yield, and… Continue reading SCI.211-Impact of Soil Amended with Compost on Orchard Nutritional Dynamics and Horticultural Performance.-AC24.CREF
SCI.210-Sustainable Almond Cultivation in California: Assessing the Impact of Integrated Compost and Cover Crop Strategies on Soil Health and Tree Productivity-AC24.CREF
This study examines the impact of compost and cover crop practices on soil health and almond orchard productivity in California. After three years of a 5-year study, results show that these practices promote soil biology and increase nitrogen availability, particularly ammonium (NH4+). Although changes in soil carbon storage are still being analyzed, initial findings indicate… Continue reading SCI.210-Sustainable Almond Cultivation in California: Assessing the Impact of Integrated Compost and Cover Crop Strategies on Soil Health and Tree Productivity-AC24.CREF