[USCC] Making Compost Regulations

[frank]

Compost huggers and regulators;

Most regulations first list 'uses', then list the requirements the 
compost must meet for that use.

IMO this does not work because each 'use' (mulch, top dress, soil 
application, potting mix, etc) has many different requirements based on 
things like; receiving soil, slope, climate, plants, other materials in 
the mix ...and many more.

What should be done:
Compost should be put into groups based on test results:
1) High -to- low nutrient provider
2) High -to- low salts (EC)
3) woody -to- high organic -to- medium organic -to-  low organic -to- 
soil-like
4) Stable -to- unstable
5) High -to- low carbonates
6) High -to- low C/N ratio
7) high -to- low size distribution
8) ......

Let the GROWER, the DOT foreman, the one trained to stabilize a bank or 
grow a pine tree; the one who knows what TYPE of material is needed and 
HOW MUCH is needed for a specific site make the decisions. They are not 
stupid and they know more than the regulators do about what is needed at 
a specific site because there are so many on site variables and they get 
to look at the site. From experience they know what works. If they want 
to keep their job they will do the right thing so they can be TRUSTED. 
And let the composters provide them with a wide variety of materials to 
work with. In fact let them provide the COMPLETE RANGE of materials in 
the list above. The feedstock of each compost facility will determine 
the type of material they can provide. And they will formulate for the 
best market - but let them sell ALL.

Frank
 

-- 
Frank Shields
Soil Control Lab
42 Hangar way
Watsonville, CA  95076
(831) 724-5422 tel
(831) 724-3188 fax
frank at compostlab.com
www.compostlab.com