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: Advanced
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.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
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
USE.322-Sustainability Assessment of Urban Agriculture and Compost…-AC25.CREF
This study assessed the environmental and economic benefits of urban microfarms (MF) in Mansfield, Ohio, compared to conventional California spinach and lettuce production. Using local compost and rainwater, MFs significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) by 56-74% while boosting local income and community engagement. Compost-based fertility had higher emissions than chemical fertilizers but was offset… Continue reading USE.322-Sustainability Assessment of Urban Agriculture and Compost…-AC25.CREF
FEE.314-Composting Sugar Processing Byproducts-AC25.USCC
This study explores how treatment temperature and storage impact the microbial composition of sugarcane mill mud, a nutrient-rich byproduct of raw sugar production. Findings show that mill mud aging follows similar patterns to composting, influencing its chemical and microbial properties. Various activation methods to enhance its value as a biostimulant will also be discussed. The… Continue reading FEE.314-Composting Sugar Processing Byproducts-AC25.USCC
USE.321-How Compost Impacts Dry Rangelands-AC25.CREF
A study in New Mexico assessed the effects of biosolid and manure composts on soil health and microbial communities in dry rangelands. While composts increased vegetation biomass, they did not significantly alter native microbial communities. Biosolid compost reduced water infiltration, aiding moisture retention, while manure compost lowered soil aggregate stability. The findings suggest compost enhances… Continue reading USE.321-How Compost Impacts Dry Rangelands-AC25.CREF
USE.320-Fertility and Water Effects of Food Waste Compost-AC25.CREF
A study evaluated six food waste composts as a fertility source and water management tool for field-grown tomatoes. Compost amendments improved soil moisture retention, reducing plant water stress. In most cases, compost alone provided sufficient nutrients, yielding results comparable to conventional fertilizers. Compost combined with organic fertilizers consistently met or exceeded conventional yields, highlighting compost’s… Continue reading USE.320-Fertility and Water Effects of Food Waste Compost-AC25.CREF