[USCC] Compost effectiveness study

[Chaney, Rufus]

Dear Cary and Neal

I agree that the information in the web report was inadequate to
interpret the study, so I wrote the author to inquire about compost
composition, soil properties and rates of application. One must do the
"agronomy" to achieve success in revegetation research. And even the
products used could be affected by the time the experiment started;
Compro used to be the biosolids compost with lime from DC that we used
with great success in remediation, but could be a leaf compost marked by
the same Agency now. And depending on soil pH and infertility and
texture, a low rate of yard debris/leaf compost might not be enough to
improve the system. Compost quality matters!

When I get the information, I'll share with USCC. I also sent him PDFs
of papers showing highly effective use of compost in soil
remediation/revegetation that he may never of heard of.

Regards,

Rufus Chaney
USDA-ARS-EMBUL
Beltsville, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Cary Oshins
Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2009 4:41 PM
To: 'Compost Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [USCC] Compost effectiveness study

1. Does not say at what rate the compost was applied nor how that rate
was determined.
2. No compost analysis.

Without that information it is impossible to draw any inferences or
conclusions from this report.

Cary

____________________________________
Cary Oshins | Assistant Director of Programs | US Composting Council 

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of CAVM at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2009 3:53 PM
To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Subject: [USCC] Compost effectiveness study

_http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/resshow/perry/compost.htm_ 
(http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/resshow/perry/compost.htm) 
 
This link describes comparative tests done to evaluate compost
application  
as an effective method of improving degraded soil systems, especially
for 
the  benefit of wildlife. The results were not complementary for the
composts 
used. 
 
Would anyone like to comment on this research?
 
Neal