West Orange WEHI preliminary report

Innovative Uses of Compost Erosion Control, Turf Remediation, and Landscaping United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA530-F-97-043 October 1997 www.epa.gov Solid Waste and Emergency Response (5306W) 1EPA 2 Printed on paper that contains at least 20 percent postconsumer fiber. ompost has been viewed as a valuable soil amendment for centuries. Most people are aware that the use of compost is an effective way to improve plant growth. Compost-enriched soil can also reduce erosion, alleviate soil compaction, and help control disease and pest infestation in plants. These beneficial uses of compost can increase healthy plant production, help save money, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, and conserve natural resources. Compost used for a specific purpose or with a particular soil type works best when it is tailor-made or specially designed. For example, compost that is intended to prevent erosion might not provide the best results when used to alleviate soil compaction, and vice versa. Technical parameters to consider when customizing a compost mixture include maturity, stability, pH level, density, particle size, moisture, salinity, and organic content, all of which can be adjusted to fit a specific application and soil type. CCoommppoosstt TTeecchhnnoollooggyy ttoo CCoonnttrrooll EErroossiioonn ccording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States loses more than 2 billion tons of topsoil through ero- sion each year. Erosion occurs when wind and rain dislodge topsoil from fields and hillsides. Stripped of its valuable top layer, which contains many essential nutrients, the soil left behind is often too poor to sustain good plant growth. Eroded topsoil can also be carried into rivers, streams, and lakes. This excess sediment, sometimes containing fertilizers or toxic materials, threatens the health of aquatic organisms. It can also compromise the commercial, recreational, and aes- thetic value of water resources. As a result, preventing erosion is essen- tial for protecting waterways and maintaining the quality and productivity of soil. C A