HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-2017 NRB Agendacm Lf
SEPTI_ N
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY — February 07, 2017 - 6:00 P.M.
"To improve the quality of life in Sebastian by nurturing
the balanced relationship between our citizens and our environment by
protecting, preserving and promoting our natural resources"
CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 6, 2016 - Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2017 — Meeting Minutes
7. PRESENTATION
SJRW MD - Charles Jacoby, PhD, MBA, Supervising Environmental Scientist,
Estuaries Section Lead Scientist, Indian River Lagoon Basin
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Item A. Earth Day — Sat April 22, 2017, Update by Rose Glaser
Item B. Spoil Island update on permit by Jim Clifton
Item C. Teachers request to add local Composting Program to the NRB website
Item D. NRB Calendar Events
a) March 2017 —Pelican Island Event
b) April 2017 — Shoreline Clean-up with CURB
Item E. Storm Water Park — Access along pathways
8. PUBLIC INPUT
9. STAFF MATTERS
Item A. Gopher Tortoise: Build -a -Burrow by Ann Lucier
11. MEMBER MATTERS
12. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
13. ADJOURNMENT
ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE ON THE ABOVE MATTERS, WILL NEED A RECORD OF
THE PROCEEDINGS AND MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH
RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE HEARD. SAID APPEAL MUST BE
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE WITHIN TEN DA YS OF THE DATE OF ACTION. (286.0105 FS).
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS SPECIAL
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AT (772)-589-5330 AT
LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING. TWO OR MORE ELECTED OFFICIALS MAYBE IN ATTENDANCE.
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 06, 2016
1. Chairwoman Ring called the Natural Resources Board Meeting to order at
6:00 p.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
3. Roll Call
Present:
Chairwoman Andrea Ring
James Clifton
Rose Glaser
Ann Lucier
Dick Krull — Alternate
Keerthi Weragoda —Alternate
Members Not Present:
Gilbert Gordian, Jr. — Excused
Bob Progulske — Excused
Vicki Tunker— Excused
Also Present:
Frank Watanabe, City Engineer
Susan Mann, Recording Consultant
Ms. Ring stated that Mr. Progulske and Ms. Tunker are excused. She noted that Mr.
Gordian's absence is not excused and requested the record reflect that this is his
second consecutive absence.
4. Aaenda Modifications
Ms. Ring made a motion to modify the agenda, Mr. Krull seconded the motion. Ms.
Ring stated that under Unfinished Business she wanted items A through G removed.
Following discussion it was agreed that items A through C would be removed and items
D through G would be left on the agenda because they are ongoing projects. Ms. Ring
called for any further discussion, hearing none she called for a vote. The motion passed
unanimously by voice vote.
5. Approval of Minutes — November 8, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Ms. Ring asked if there were any corrections or modifications to the minutes, hearing
none she called for a motion. Mr. Clifton made a motion to accept the minutes as
written, Ms. Glaser seconded the motion.
Natural Resources Board Page 2 of 6
Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2016
Mr. Weragoda stated that he was at the meeting, but his vote was not reflected in the
minutes. Ms. Ring explained that there was only one Board member absent so only
one alternate's vote is recorded even though both alternates were present. The
consensus of the Board was that the minutes were correct as written. Ms. Ring called
for a vote, the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
6. Unfinished Business
Item D. Earth Day — Saturday April 22, 2017
Ms. Glaser reported that she has requested staff update the information to reflect the
2017 event. When she receives the update back she will send an email to all the
vendors. She stated that the time was changed to 9am until 4pm and the deadline for
registration was changed to mid-March. Ms. Lucier asked about entertainment. Ms.
Glaser responded she has 2 bands out of 4 approved. Ms. Glaser stated that she has
established a better line of communication with Home Town News and they will help
with getting the word out for "save the date' and then when the event is closer they will
publish a full page schedule.
Item E. Spoil Island Update by Mr. Clifton
Mr. Clifton reported that all that is pending is authorization from DEP to cut down the
two trees. He stated that it should come via email and was given the impression it
would be very soon. Mr. Watanabe stated that he has not received any communication
from DEP either but as soon as he receives it he will forward to the Board.
Item F. NRB Mission Goals & Objectives
Ms. Ring suggested the Board establish a calendar listing their events in order to be
able to plan and keep track of what is happening.
The Board discussed the location of the banner and other supplies used during NRB
events. Mr. Watanabe explained that he has been unable to locate the larger banner
but there are some supplies in the office. He suggested that if necessary Total Print be
contacted and another banner be made. He also suggested that one of the Board
members take control of the Board's event supplies to prevent their being misplaced.
Ms. Lucier suggested considering undertaking an island clean up should one become
available. She stated that having guest speakers and being able to televise their
presentations could be a great educational tool for the City. She stated that the
presentation put on regarding sewer and septic was very informative. Mr. Watanabe
responded that the presentation has been made to the City recently and suggested
waiting to request it again. Ms. Lucier suggested having the company who does the
waterway spraying come and explain the process. Mr. Watanabe responded that the
agency that needs to be contacted is the regulatory agency, not the vendor who
performs the service. He offered to provide Ms. Lucier contact information for the
Natural Resources Board Page 3 of 6
Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2016
agency with whom the City works. He suggested placing the presentation on the next
agenda for approval by the Board and forwarding to the City Manager for his approval.
This would also provide time for staff to have the televising process in place.
Ms. Glaser expressed concern about the overabundance of Pepper Trees in the City.
She stated that they are not only on City property, but on private property which in many
cases the owners take no action to restrict their growth. She stated that she is
concerned about the amount of plastic and styrofoam that is in the river. She also
stated that she would like to see more progress made on managing the spraying in the
waterways.
Mr. Watanabe explained that the majority of the problem Pepper Trees are on vacant
lots and the owners are absentee. When the tree falls onto City property the City crews
remove the tree and the owner is cited. This, however, can be a long process.
Ms. Ring suggested the Board volunteer to go to some of these properties and remove
the Pepper Trees. Following an in-depth discussion and input from Mr. Watanabe it
was agreed that the possibility of a property owner accepting the liability of someone
coming onto their property to cut down trees would be very slight. Mr. Watanabe
explained that if the tree posed a safety problem that could be addressed, but just lack
of upkeep of a vacant lot is the owner's responsibility.
Ms. Ring asked about additional island projects. Mr. Clifton responded that after the
initial removal of the trees is completed the Board can return and remove the seedlings
as they sprout. He stated that after DEP sees the service the City can provide he is
sure there will be other projects that can be undertaken related to the islands within the
City limits.
Ms. Ring asked about cleaning up Pelican Island. Mr. Watanabe explained that as
individuals the Board Members can go outside the City limits, but City assets cannot be
used to accomplish the project. Ms. Ring asked for the Board's thoughts on cleaning up
the islands. Ms. Glaser responded that there are plenty of areas that need to be
cleaned up without going outside the City limits. She explained that there is so much
debris along the river that needs removal that could be a major project that could be
accomplished by just walking along the banks or using a boat.
Ms. Ring stated again the Board needs to set up a calendar and asked what activities
are planned for January. Following discussion it was agreed that the shore line clean
up would be undertaken in January. Mr. Watanabe explained that the project needed to
be placed on the Board's next agenda for action. Saturday, January 7th was selected
for the project and it would be approved at the meeting on January 3`d. Ms. Lucier
stated that she would contact KIRB who would provide the necessary supplies. Mr.
Watanabe stated that he will arrange for City staff to pick up the bags of debris so the
Board can leave them on the shore.
Natural Resources Board Page 4 of 6
Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2016
Ms. Ring asked what activities could be scheduled for February and March. It was
agreed that Mr. Lucier will contact the agency regarding the chemical spraying for a
February presentation. In March the Board would participate in the Pelican Island
Festival. Mr. Watanabe stated that he will have the three projects on the January
Agenda for Board approval.
Ms. Lucier stated that the Board needs to establish a calendar of events and
participation in the City's events needed to be placed on the agenda for discussion and
determination which events the Board would participate in. Ms. Glaser stated that the
Pelican Island Festival in March will be the 25th anniversary. The consensus was that
would be a great opportunity.
Ms. Ring suggested doing only Earth Day in April. She called for suggestions for May
and June and stated that the Board can think about activities. The consensus was that
the Board should participate in some event each month. She continued on to July
noting that the July 4th parade is scheduled. It was agreed that the summer months are
too warm to have outside activities, but possibly some presentations could be
scheduled. Ms. Lucier suggested that the Board think of some suggestions for the
following months and stressed the need for a calendar to prevent missing an
opportunity because one of their meetings is cancelled.
Ms. Ring stated that her objective in joining the Board was to encourage the
implementation of sewage. She requested the contact information for the County
Representative and stated that she will request another presentation be made soon.
Item G. Gopher Tortoises Day, April 10th
Ms. Lucier stated that she has contacted Ms. Williams who will handle downloading the
Proclamation for City Council adoption at their March 22, 2017 meeting. She suggested
the Board be present at that meeting. She also suggested that the Mayor and Council
be invited to the opening ceremonies at Earth Day. Mr. Watanabe stated that the
invitation should be included on the Board's next agenda as an action item. That would
alert the Council of the Board's desires. Ms. Lucier volunteered to handle fabricating
the Gopher Tortoise burrow for the kids to enjoy.
7. Public Input
Ms. Ring called for anyone, from the Public, wishing to speak before the Board to do so
at this time.
Mr. Mark Bondy, 997 George Street, asked if there is a City ordinance prohibiting
noxious vegetation from being allowed to invade neighboring properties. Ms. Glaser
explained that there is an ordinance which addresses the sides of a property, but not
the front and rear.
Mr. Bondy inquired about the where the sewer brochures are displayed. Mr. Watanabe
responded that he will ensure they are in the lobby area.
Natural Resources Board Page 5 of 6
Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2016
Mr. Bondy stated that he is present this evening representing the Friends of St.
Sebastian River and the Indian River Neighborhood Association. He provided a packet
of information regarding the negative environmental impact of septic systems. He
stated that the same packet will be presented to the City Council and it will be updated
monthly. He expressed concern that the City is not working harder to find a way to
convert to a sewer system as is being done in Brevard County.
Ms. Glaser asked what the associations are doing to address the chemicals being
discharged into the waterways and lagoon. Mr. Bondy responded that they have not
addressed chemicals yet but they have focused on invasive vegetation. He explained
that they are aware of a water farm south of CR510 into which the water from the farms
will be discharged, filtered then released into the lagoon. He stated that his
organizations are planning to make personal visits to the property owners along the St.
Sebastian River to make them aware of the issues of the invasive species.
Ms. Ring stated that she had attended a County Commission meeting in which sewer
connection was discussed and it is a County issue, not a City issue. Mr. Bondy
responded that because of the cost that will impact each property owner it is essential
for the public to be educated about the need for conversion for the good of the
environment.
Mr. Bob Stephen, 150 Concha Drive, apologized for being late, stating the meeting start
time was shown as 7:00pm and not 6:00pm on the schedule he viewed on his phone.
He stressed the importance of the City attending the Indian River Lagoon Council
meetings in order to stay informed. He stated that a presentation on the chemical issue
in the waterways will be presented at the Board's next meeting by Mr. Cox. Ms. Ring
stated that the sheets showing the chemicals is a part of the April Board Meeting record.
Mr. Stephen observed that although the City may not be able to make large projects like
the sewers happen overnight, any action even small ones that can help improve the
waterways will make a difference.
Ms. Ring called for any other comments from the Public, hearing none she continued
with the agenda.
8. New Business
Item A. NRB Banner
Ms. Ring asked what the plan is for the NRB Banner. Mr. Watanabe responded that it is
up to the Board, but he recommended contacting Total Print, who had made the
previous one, and purchase a new one rather than continuing to look for the existing
banner. He stated that the cost is part of the Board's marketing budget and there are
sufficient funds available.
A motion to purchase a new banner was made by Mr. Clifton, seconded by Ms. Lucier.
Natural Resources Board
Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2016
Page 6 of 6
Ms. Ring asked if there was any further discussion, there being none she called for a vote.
Roll Call: Ms.
Ring —Yes
Ms.
Lucier —Yes
Ms.
Glaser
—Yes
Mr.
Krull (A) —Yes
Mr.
Clifton
—Yes
Mr.
Weragoda (A) —Yes
The vote was 6/0. Motion Carried.
Ms. Ring stated that she will handle securing the new banner. Mr. Watanabe
responded that he will provide her with the contact information she will need. He
suggested that once they have created the banner it should be proofed for content and
accuracy. In response to Ms. Lucier's question about the whole Board needing to
approve it, he explained that because there will be no changes it will not have to come
to the Board.
Ms. Ring asked if any action needed to be taken regarding televising the Board
meetings if there is a speaker. Mr. Watanabe responded no action is necessary at this
time but he will have it agendized for the next meeting.
9. Staff Matters — None
10. Member Matters
Ms. Glaser expressed concern that error in the meeting start time pointed out by Mr.
Stephen be looked into to ensure that all start times are 6:00pm and not 7:00pm. Mr.
Watanabe stated that he will see that if a correction is needed that it is implemented
quickly.
Ms. Ring stated that she had received a request, via the City Clerk, from a teacher in
Texas looking for information on composting and earthworms. The teacher reached out
to the City because she knows the City's website is safe for the children to visit,
whereas some other sites could contain undesirable information. Mr. Krull responded
that he will do some research.
11. Items for Next Agenda — Identified during meeting.
12. Adiiourn — There being no further business Chairwoman Ring adjourned the
meeting at 7:12 p.m.
By:
Chairwoman Andrea Ring
/sm
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 3, 2017
1. Chairwoman Ring called the Natural Resources Board Meeting to order at
6:00 P.M.
2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
3. Roll Call
Present:
Chairwoman Andrea Ring
Bob Progulske
Rose Glaser
Gilbert Gordian, Jr.
Ann Lucier
Vicki Tunker— arrived late
Dick Krull (Alternate)
Members Not Present:
James Clifton
Keerthi Weragoda (Alternate)
Also Present:
Frank Watanabe, City Engineer
Susan Mann, Recording Consultant
4. Aaenda Modifications
Ms. Ring called for agenda modifications, hearing none she complimented staff on the
excellent job they had done on revising the agenda presentation.
5. Approval of Minutes — December 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Ms. Ring asked if there were any corrections or modifications to the minutes. Mr.
Gordian requested the minutes be corrected to show him as excused because he did
notify staff that he would not be present. Mr. Watanabe responded that Mr. Gordian did
notify staff that he would not be in attendance, but he had not received the information
until after the meeting. Ms. Ring stated that the minutes would be corrected and placed
on next month's agenda for approval.
6. Unfinished Business
Item A. Earth Day — Saturday April 22, 2017
Ms. Glaser reported that she has sent out the invitations to vendors and has received a
good response. She noted that A Tree for Me will not be present; Waste Management
Natural Resources Board Page 2 of 5
Meeting Minutes of January 3, 2017
will have the dumpsters for recycling electronics as well as the equipment for document
shredding; only one food vendor has registered, Bruno's Nachos.
She expressed disappointment that the vendor who conducted the chalk art activity
would not be present and suggested that possibly some other arrangement could be
made. The consensus was to contact the art teachers at the elementary schools or any
one that may be interested in the activity.
She continued that the fat tire bicyclist would not be participating this year. She stated
that the Board needs to find some activities to fill the open spaces. Following
discussion with various ideas presented it was agreed that finding more activities will
need to be addressed.
Ms. Glaser reported that in addition to arranging the vendors she is working on the fire
and food permits that are required and needs to secure a first aid kit. Mr. Watanabe
responded he will provide one.
Mr. Gordian asked for details about the arrangement of the food vendors within the
park. Mr. Watanabe responded that it is up to the City Manager whether or not to allow
food trucks into the park, but that it is a similar situation to Clambake where it is not
convenient to not allow them to park on the grass. Mr. Watanabe stated that if the
Board approves a motion to allow food vendors in the park he will take it to the City
Manager for consideration.
A motion to ask the City to allow the Board to have food trucks in the park, on the east
side, for the Earth Day Event was made by Ms. Glaser, seconded by Mr. Gordian and
passed unanimously by voice vote.
Mr. Watanabe stated that he will take the request to the City Manager tomorrow.
Ms. Glaser reported that all four of the bands contacted have shown interest, but she
does not have anything definite arranged yet.
Item B. Spoil Island Update by Mr. Clifton
Ms. Ring asked if anyone had any information in Mr. Clifton's absence. Mr. Watanabe
responded that it was his understanding that Mr. Clifton was waiting for the permits
which were supposed to be sent to the City, but nothing has been received.
Following discussion about the actions that had transpired, it was agreed that the
understanding was that Mr. Clifton had applied for the permit and it was to be sent to
the City. Mr. Watanabe stated that he will send Mr. Clifton an email inquiring about the
status of the permit application. He will also get the contact information and will
communicate with them directly. He will then advise the Board via email.
Natural Resources Board Page 3 of 5
Meeting Minutes of January 3, 2017
Item C. Gopher Tortoises Day, April 10th
Ms. Lucier reported that the City Clerk will download and prepare the Proclamation for
City Council adoption at their meeting on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 6:00 pm. She
suggested the as many of the Board members as possible be present.
7. Public Input None
8. New Business
Item A. NRB Banner— Purchased
Mr. Watanabe stated that he has the banner with him and it is exactly as the previous
one. He requested that a member of the Board be the custodian so that it would not be
misplaced and available for events. Ms. Tunker volunteered to take the banner.
Item B. Teachers request to add local Composting Program to the NRB website
a) Message from Denise Morales
Mr. Krull reported that he had done some research on line of appropriate sites, and sent
the information to her. He apologized for not bringing a copy of his email. Mr.
Watanabe requested that all emails be sent to him or Michelle so they can keep the
Board informed. Mr. Watanabe suggested letting him have the opportunity to package
the information regarding the websites and bring back next month for approval.
Item C. NRB Calendar of Events
Ms. Ring explained that the benefit of having a Calendar of Events the Board could
track upcoming activities and even if they don't have a meeting they will still have the
event planned and details worked out.
a) January, 2017 — Shoreline Cleaning
Ms. Glaser stated that cleaning up along the shoreline is planned for this weekend. Ms.
Ring asked what will be done if the forecasted thunderstorms develop.
There was discussion regarding planning to do the clean-up monthly or quarterly and
possibly joining KIRB or other groups that clean up the waterways. Concern was
expressed regarding the members of the Board working together outside of a meeting.
Mr. Watanabe explained that he had asked for clarification from the City Attorney
regarding the Sunshine Law and learned that the Board can work together on a project,
talk with each other, but cannot discuss any upcoming action items.
Ms. Tunker suggested securing a copy of the KIRB schedule and presenting it at the
next meeting for approval and inclusion in the Calendar of Events.
Following discussion regarding the shoreline clean-up it was agreed that Mr. Watanabe
would provide the necessary supplies, the group would meet at 8AM at Mulligans and
Natural Resources Board Page 4 of 5
Meeting Minutes of January 3, 2017
work northward. Ms. Ring stated that will pick up the supplies and handle texting those
participating letting them know if it will take place or has been cancelled due to weather.
b) February, 2017 — Presentation on spraying waterways — Ann
Ms. Lucier stated that she contacted the Indian River Lagoon Council representative
suggested by Mr. Watanabe and they do not do presentations. She then contacted Mr.
Charles Jacoby, Lead Scientist, Bureau of Water Resources, SJRWMD and he will do a
presentation on the Lagoon in February.
Ms. Ring asked if the presentation will be televised. Mr. Watanabe responded that it will
be necessary for the Board to pass a motion to approve the presentation and he will
forward that to the City Manager.
A motion to have the speaker identified above make a presentation in February was
made by Ms. Lucier, seconded by Mr. Gordian.
Ms. Ring called for discussion. She asked for details on the presentation. Mr.
Watanabe responded that he believes the presentation is a standard one, but he will
provide the speaker's bio to the Board. He stated that although the presentation may
be general in nature the Board could ask their specific questions.
Ms. Ring called for any further questions. Hearing none she called for a vote.
The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Following discussion it was agreed that the meeting should be kept short allowing
approximately 25 minutes for the presentation at the beginning. Mr. Watanabe stated
that he will place the speaker after approval of minutes and will set the agenda as
suggested.
c) March, 2017 — Pelican Island
Ms. Glaser stated that Pelican Island Festival is March 18th, and the City receives free
space. She explained that it will be in Riverview Park, from 10:00 AM Until 4:00 PM,
and this is an anniversary year.
Following discussion it was agreed that having the Natural Resources' brochures on
display would be helpful. Mr. Watanabe offered to have Michelle contact the agencies
she had contacted in the past and request a variety of brochures be sent to the City. In
response to the suggestion regarding coloring books or other child related items, he
stated he would have her ask about them.
A tentative schedule was set with Mr. Gordian covering 10 AM until Noon, Ms. Tunker
covering Noon until 2 PM and Ms. Ring and Ms. Lucier covering 2 PM until 4 PM. It
was agreed that if no one else is available Ms. Ring and Ms. Lucier would help all day.
Mr. Watanabe stated that he will have staff set up and take down the booth.
Natural Resources Board Page 5 of 5
Meeting Minutes of January 3, 2017
Ms. Ring continued on to April events and it was agreed that Earth Day will be the event
for that month.
The consensus was to discuss the events for May forward at the March meeting to
allow time to receive the information from KIRB regarding clean ups.
9. Staff Matters
Item A. Stormwater Park — Access along the pathways
Mr. Watanabe stated that it was brought to his attention that the Stormwater Park trails
are becoming over grown. He explained that because it is a natural park there is no
regular schedule for mowing or trimming so as to protect the natural state and the
species which inhabit the area. He stated that the City Manager had suggested
possibly the Board Members could routinely monitor the park and report back when
something is found to need attention. He stated that the main entrance is off Englar
Drive, it is open to the public and is heavily used. The entrance that requires attention
is the one at the rear which is off Easy Street and Schumann Drive. He provided details
of the park size, configuration and how it goes from retention ponds and trails into
wetlands.
Mr. Gordian suggested looking into establishing a community garden to get the public
more involved with the park. It was agreed that would be a good idea to plan for the
future.
The consensus was for the Board members to visit the park and discuss their
participation in monitoring it at the February Meeting.
10. Member Matters
Ms. Lucier stated that she will not be present at the February meeting because she will
be on vacation.
Ms. Lucier suggested that if someone volunteers to do a certain task that they send an
email out confirming that they have done it. Mr. Watanabe responded that was a good
idea. He stated that the email needs to be outgoing only and requested that he and
Michelle are copied.
11. Items for Next Agenda — Identified during meeting.
12. Ad'ourn — There being no further business Chairwoman Ring adjourned the
meeting at 7:12 p.m.
Chairwoman Andrea Ring
/sm
Compost Use In Florida
Produced by the Florida Centerfor Solid and Hazardous
Waste Management for the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, December, 1888
Printed on reerc/ed paper 0
CONTENTS
Contributors....................................................................................5
Figures and Tables............................................................................6
Introduction
Beyond the Backyard Compost Pile..................................................7
Part I: The Basics
Chapter l: Compost and Waste Management in Florida..................9
Mitch Kessler and Allison Searccy
Chapter 2: What Is Compost?......................................................12
Margie Lynn Stratton and Jack E. Rechcigl
Chapter 3: Developing a Market for Compost Products ................15
Aziz Shiralipour
Part II: Regulatory and Quality Assurance Issues
Chapter 4: Regulations Affecting Compost Production and Use ....18
Francine Joyal
Chapter 5: Compost and Quality Assurance ..................................21
George E. Fitzpatrick
Chapter 6: How to Produce High Quality Compost ......................24
Patrick D. Byers
Part III: Agricultural Uses for Compost in Florida
Chapter 7:
The Effects of Compost on Soil....................................27
Aziz Shiralipour
Chapter 8:
The Benefits of MSW Composts in South Florida ........30
Dean Richardson
Chapter 9:
How Compost Benefits Citrus Crops ............................32
J.H. Graham
Chapter 10:
Growing Field Crops with Compost ............................36
R.N. Gallaher
Chapter 11:
Use of Composts on Florida's Vegetable Crops ............39
Monica P. Ozores-Hampton and Thomas A. Obreza
Chapter 12:
Compost Uses for the Landscape and
Nursery Industries......................................................43
George E. Fitzpatrick and Dennis B. McConnell
Chapter 13:
Use of Compost on Turfgrasses....................................45
John L. Cisar and George H. Snyder
Chapter 14:
Compost Use on Forest Lands....................................48
H. Reikerk
Chapter 15:
Reclamation of Phosphate. Mine Lands.
withCompost................................................................51
James Ragsdale
Glossary.......................................................................................
55
References......................................................................................57
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 3
CONTRIBUTORS
Patrick Byers Thomas A. Obreza
Solid Waste Authority University of Florida,
of Palm Beach Institute of Food and i
County, West Palm Agricultural Sciences,
Beach, Fla. Southwest Florida
i Research and
[ Education Center, Immokalee, Fla.
John L. Cisar
University of Florida, Monica P. Ozores-
Fort Lauderdale Hampton
Research and University of Florida,
Education Center,Institute of Food and
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. _ Agricultural Sciences,
104- t' u Southwest Florida
George E. Research and Education Center,
Fitzpatrick ; Immokalee, Fla.
University of Florida,
i
Fort Lauderdale Andrew S. Pike (not pictured)
Research and Sun -Ray and Southern Farms,
Education Center, Lake Placid, Fla.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. ,
ItR.N. Gallaher
Department of
Agronomy,
University of Florida,
al Gainesville, Fla
J.H. Graham
University of Florida,
Citrus Research and
Education Center,
Lake Alfred, Fla.
Joyali
Florida Department
of Environmental
Protection,
Tallahassee, Fla.
Mitch Kessler (not pictured)
TIA Solid Waste Management
Consultants, Inc., Tampa, Fla.
Dennis B. McConnell
University of Florida,
Environmental
Horticulture
i. Department,
f M
Gainesville, Fla.
James Ragsdale
Sanitation
Department,
City of St.Petersburg,
St. Petersburg, Fla.
Jack E. Rechcigl
:z University of Florida,
'? Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences,
Range Cattle
Research and
Education Center, Ona, Fla.
H. Reikerk
), a School of Forest
Resources and
Conservation,
University of Florida,
Gainesville, Fla
Dean Richardson
Reuter Recycling of
Florida, Pembroke
Pines, Fla. and
Tropical Treescapes,
Miami, Fla
Searcy (not pictured)
TIA Solid Waste Management
Consultants, Inc., Tampa, Fla
Azlz Shiralipour
University of Florida,
Center for Biomass
Programs,
Gainesville, Fla.
George H. Snyder (not pictured)
University of Florida,
Everglades Research and Education
Center, Belle Glade, Fla.
Margie Lynn Stratton (not pictured)
University of Florida, Institute of
Food and Agricultural Sciences,
Range Cattle Research and Education
Center, Ona, Fla
Produced by the Florida Center
for Solid and Hazardous Waste
Management, University of
Florida, College of Engineering,
Gainesville, Fla,
Executive Director, John Schert
Technical Editor. Diana Tonnessen
Graphic Design, Production Ink
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 5
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Center for Biomass Programs, of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences coordinated the development of the guide by identifying contributors,
editing the papers, obtaining illustrative photographs and served as the general liaison with
the authors in developing their papers. Specifically, we would like to note the day-to-day
efforts of Dr. Aziz Shiralipour and Ms. Sharon Thurlow, staff of the Center for Biomass
Programs.
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 6a
FIGURES AND TABLES
Figure 1-I: Composition of Florida's Waste Stream.. . ............... 10
Figure 2- 1: Food Web of the Compost Pile..............................13
Figure 5- 1: Compost Used as a Growing Medium with
Container Plants....................................................22
Figure 9- l: Increased Growth of Compost -Treated Tangelo
Trees...................................................................... 35
Figure 9-2:
Applying Compost to Citrus Trees .......................... 35
Figure l 1-1:
Watermelon Grown in Sandy Soil With and
Quality Limits for Compost ....................................
Without Compost Application .... .-..... I .................. 41
Figure 1 1-2:
Compost Application Eliminates Ashy Stem Blight
in Bush Beans ............................... I....................... 41
Figure 12- 1:
Compost Used as a Growing Medium for
Table 14 l:
Container -Grown Dwarf Oleanders ........................44
Figure 12-2:
Compost Used as a Growing Medium for
Physical Properties of Compost used in
Container -Grown West Indian Mahogany ..............44
Figure 14-1:
Compost Applied as a Topdressing Between Tree
Rows in a Slash Pine Forest ................................... 49
Table 3-1: Steps for Successful Compost Market
SCOMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
i
Development..........................................................16
Table 4- 1:
Quality Limits for Compost ....................................
19
Table 4-2:
Classification of Compost Made from
SolidWaste............................................................19
Table 14 l:
Compost Use and Com Silage Yield .....................38.
Table l 1-1:
Physical Properties of Compost used in
Vegetable Production..............................................40
Table 13-1:
Effects of Compost on Nutrients in Turfgrass ........46
Table 13-2:
Relationship Between Turfgmss Topdressing
Rates and Depth ...................................... ... I ..........
6
SCOMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
i
PART I: THE BASICS/INTRODUCTION
Beyond the Backyard
Compost Pile
The use of compost is proving to be an environmentally -
friendly, potentially profitable business for Florida 's
agricultural interests.
n 1992, to address the problem
of decreasing space in Florida's
landfills, the State of Florida
prohibited the disposal of grass
clippings and other yard refuse in
lined landfills. However, the ban
also gave rise to a promising
industry based on a natural
process as old as life itself:
composting. Compost, a mixture
consisting largely of decayed
organic material, occurs naturally
every time trees shed their
autumn leaves. As the dead leaves
decompose, they protect and
enrich the soil underneath. Now
this simple, natural process is
being transformed into a sophisti-
cated science, one that extends far
beyond the backyard compost
heap and that offers numerous
benefits for Florida's agricultural
interests and the environment.
Given Florida's year-round
growing season and porous,
sandy soils, the humus -like
substance which results from
composting has numerous
practical applications in the state.
These include field crops and
vegetables, landscaping and
horticulture, citrus groves, golf
courses, forest lands, and
phosphate mine reclamation.
Florida now has 12 permitted
composting facilities and dozens
of mulching facilities, which help
to recycle more than 1.3 million
Wn.unnF ElavxL ,Cara,
1 rm BuREAu OF SOLID AMC, HAzAacous WASTE
tons of urban plant debris
annually. And solid waste
managers are targeting other
organic materials as potential
candidates for composting,
including food, liquid, and animal
residues.
This guide presents an
overview of some of the benefi-
cial uses of composts in Florida
and discusses the factors that
influence the production, quality,
and use of compost Included are
the results of 10 scientific studies
by researchers at the Institute of
Food and Agricultural Sciences
(IFAS), demonstrating how
compost can have a positive
impact on agricultural operations
in Florida. The information is
intended to help agricultural
interests, regulatory agencies and
the general public better under-
stand composting and the use of
compost products, and its great
potential in improving Florida's
soils and environment. O
FLoaroA DEPARTMEM OF
ENVDLONME Al, PNOTECTIDN
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA
AND
JOrw D. ScaERT, EZEcu DmEcroR.
FLORIDA CENTER FOR SOLID AND
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGJU 4
UNLVERsm OF FLORIDA
GAuasVH.LE, FUoRE A
Wa10.N HINFLFI fnxx D. 5_.-._-..-r
A note about
terminology
Ona considered refuse or
waste, yard trimmings and
other organic materials are
increasingly being viewed as
valuable resources to be reused
and recycled. Hence, through-
out this publication, the terms
"eaban plant debris" (UPD),
"residuals, -and 'Wasolids"
have replaced the more
commonly used terms 'yard
waste" and ".sewage sludge"
to refket the changing public
perception about these
mauriahL Other helpful
terminology is defined in
the glossary on page 55.
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 7
PART I: THE BASICS/CHAPTER 1
Compost and Waste
Management in Florida
Florida's growing population, year-round growing season,
and large agricultural industry provide a unique
environment for the development of organic recycling/
composting programs.
Mrrcx KE$$LE0. AND ALLISON $FA0.CY
TIA SOLID WASfE MANAGEMENT CONSULTAmS INC.
TAMPA, FLORIDA
loiida is the fourth most
populous state and one of
the fastest-growing in the
United States. Its mild climate
and year-round sunshine attract
hundreds of new residents to the
state every day and over 40
million tourists each year. For
Florida's solid waste managers,
this booming population, plus the
load from tourists, translates into
a growing waste stream. In 1995,
Florida's population was more
than 14 million, and the total
municipal solid waste (MSW)
generated that same year was
close to 23 million tons — a
waste generation rate of approxi-
mately 9 pounds per person per
day. These figures are approxi-
mately twice the national average
of about 4.3 pounds per person
per day.
Keeping Pace With a
Growing Population
To manage this burgeoning
waste stream, Florida relies on a
variety of methods, including
waste reduction and recycling,
landfilling, and combustion.
Waste reduction programs are
designed to limit the production
of waste, reducing the need to
manage it. Recycling programs
recover valuable materials from
the waste stream so that the
materials can be reused. Landfills
serve as disposal facilities for non -
recovered materi.als.
In an effort to maximize the
recovery of valuable materials
from the waste stream, in 1988,
the Florida legislature enacted the
Solid Waste Management Act
that mandated a 30 percent
recycling goal for Florida
counties. The impact of this
legislative initiative has been
impressive. In response, counties
have implemented curbside and
drop-off recycling programs,
encouraged recycling participa-
tion within the commercial sector,
and developed a variety of urban
plant debris mulching and
composting programs. Today,
Florida has more than 300
curbside recycling programs, 12
permitted composting facilities,
and numerous other mulching
facilities. According to Florida
Department of Environmental
Protection (FDEP) statistics,
more than half of Florida's 52
counties have achieved recycling
rates of 25 percent or higher.
Expanding the Focus
From 1989 to present, the
amount and percentage of
materials recycled in Florida has
increased steadily. Despite the
success of existing recycling
programs, Florida's solid waste
managers have their eyes on the
next decade. They continue to
expand their programs to target
new materials and to explore
i other sources for the recovery of
i additional materials. To maximize
recovery rates, solid waste profes-
sionals have turned their attention
to materials which have been
relatively neglected. 'These include
paper, comprising 26.3 percent of
all municipal solid waste (Figure
1-1), and construction and
i demolition debris, comprising
1 22.6 percent of the waste stream.
With Florida's warm climate
and lush subtropical landscapes,
urban plant debris (UPD) presents
the most interesting potential for
increased recycling in the state.
As Figure 1-1 indicates, UPD
represent 14.4 percent of
Florida's MSW stream. In 1992,
to encourage recycling of this
i valuable organic material, the
Florida Legislature passed a law
prohibiting the disposal of UPD
i in landfills designed to accept
i municipal solid waste. In
response, the majority of
Florida's counties have imple-
mented source -separated UPD
collection systems. Researchers
estimated that by 1995 more than
i 3.3 million tons of UPD were
generated in Florida every year.
Yet studies indicated that only
i approximately 53 percent of these
€ organics were recycled.
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 9
CHAPTER I: COMPOST AND WASTE MANAGEMENT IN FLORIDA
Office Paper OtherPaper
100% Food Waste
Conugaled Pacer 5.4%
8.2% I
Testilse
2.g%
ONer plastics
A.2%
Miscellaneous
8.1%
Ferrous Metals
Aluminum Cans
7.7%
0.7%
Newspapers
....,.:.
5.2%
Non-Femous •.:.-,`
Metals
.. Steel Cans
1.8%
0%
Glass
2.7%
Yard Trash
plastic Bottles
14.4%
I
1.0%
While Goods C&D Debris
0.9% Irea 22.6%
Rgum 1-1: Composition of Florida's Waste Stream (Jan. 1, 1995J)m. 31, 1995)
Undeniably, there was room for
improvement.
That improvement began in
1995, when the FDEP approved
the deregulation of UPD com-
posting, a move that cleared the
way for industry expansion. At
the same time, composters have
begun focusing their efforts on
establishing consistent product
definitions, quality control
standards, and uniform testing.
If Florida's emerging compost
industry is to flourish economi-
cally, buyers of composted
organic material need to know
exactly what they are buying and
be assured that each product's
quality is consistent.
At the same time, researchers
have focused their attention on
evaluating the composting process
and exploring opportunities for
expanding its use. The commer-
cial marketing of compost
products has been encouraging.
Compost has found one niche in
agricultural applications in the
cattle and citrus industries.
Additionally, favorable govern-
ment purchasing policies have
helped to expand markets. For
10 COMPOST USE IN F L 0 A 1 0A
example, the Florida Department
of Transportation has adopted
specifications for composted
materials and mulches made from
urban plant debris, and has
demonstrated the cost effective-
ness and superior performance of
organic compost materials in its
Right -of -Way landscaping and
maintenance programs. In this
supportive environment, Florida
can expect to experience contin-
ued growth in urban plant debris
processing and composting.
Anticipating Future Trends
Florida's growing resident
and non-resident population,
year-round growing season, and
large agricultural industry
combine to provide a unique
environment for the development
of other organic recycling/
composting programs. In addition
to UPD, other organic materials
are gaining notice as potentially
recoverable portions of the waste
stream. This renewed interest in
organics has spawned a variety of
innovative research and develop-
ment projects, including MSW
composting and vermi-
composting projects.
Other recent projects have
moved beyond traditional urban
plant debris processing and
composting to target other
organic materials, including food,
liquid, and animal residuals.
Florida's organic recycling
programs continue to expand
with the support of innovations in
collection methods (especially
co -collection of organics in split
collection vehicles), and increased
on-site processing.
For organics recycling to
occur, compost safety standards
most be defined, and safe, eco-
nomically sound uses for compost
must be identified through coordi-
nated research programs. Such a
market development research
effort is under way through a
partnership involving the Florida
Department of Environmental
Protection, the Florida Center for
Solid and Hazardous Waste
Management, and the University
of Florida's Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences.
Perhaps the most important
factor influencing developments
in Florida's solid waste manage-
ment practices is the increasing
pressure to improve the efficiency
and accountability of municipal
solid waste management
programs. Variable rate collection
programs are expected to grow,
driven by the push for greater
reduction in sources, and an
increase in return on investment.
In Florida's present economic,
legislative and regulatory environ-
ment, the future for recycling
organics looks particularly bright.
In sum, Florida's composting
industry is like a sleeping giant
about to awaken to a coming
decade of healthy growth and
energetic activity, when recycling
of organics will play an increas-
ingly important role in managing
Florida's MSW stream. O
CHAPTER I: COMPOST AND WASTE MANAGEMENT IN FLORIDA
Compost Operations in Florida
Florida, home to some of
the largest and most suawfil
commercial composting facilities
in the United States, is among
the ration's leaders in com-
posting. Forexampk; theEnvim-
Compfacility inTacksonvilk,
which produces 400, 000 tons of
compost per year is one of the
largest ammpostingfacilides of
urban plant debris (UPD) in the
country. Palm Beach County
Solid Waste Authority, produc-
ing 60, 000 tons of compostper
year, operates one of the nation's
largest and most sumwfid co-
composnbgfaatlides (biosolids
and urban plant debris).
Another of Florida's claims
to fame: the Sumter County
compostingfacilay begun in
1988, has the longest continuous
Operating ezpesience in MSW
composting. In alt Florida has
83 compost facilities (Ken
McEntee, personal communka-
tion; Composting News, Ohio),
which compost everythingfrom
food residuals to industrial waste.
Food refuse composting.
Three Florida composting
facilities reporza* compostfood
residuals (Goklstem and Bhsck,
1997a). One, a munkipalfacility
operated by the Soil and Water
Conservation District in
Homestead Florida, processes
wastesfrom a correctional
facility. Another Reedy Creek
Energy Services of Lake Buena
Pinta, Florida processesfood
mfusefrom Disney Wold
(GoAlstem and Black, 1997a).
A third, Environmental
Earthworm Project, Inc in
Orlando, processesfntit and
vegetable trimmings from food
processors and urban plant
debris.
An additional food r foe
composting facility is being
considered in Central Florida.
If this site is developed, it is
expected to handle the urban
plain debris, food refuse, and
biosolidsfor 7correctional
facilities.
Biarsolids composting. As of
December 1997, nine operational
biosolids composting facilities
were reported in Florida
(Goldstein and Block 1997b).
They include Cooper City
Utilities, Eustis, Meadowood -
Utility, Miami -Dade Water
Sewer, South Plant, Nocatee,
Ocoee, Palm Beach County,
Reedy Creek, and Sarasota Two
facilities, Apopka and Miami,
are in the planning stages.
LrdasMal composting.
Industries in Florida includefood
processing, scafood processing,
phosphate, clay, sandand gravel
mining, softwood lumbering,
manufacture of transportation
equipment electrical equipment,
chemicals and chemical
fertilizers; metals, paper and
papergood; primed materials,
and agars, all of which may be
potential compasters of by-
products. At this time it is not
reported how marry manufac-
turing plants compost by-
products However much food
processing r f Tse in Florida is fed
to livestock (Barker, et al., in
press).
Agrlct/tural composting.
Agriculture is one of the most
prominent economic industries in
Flottda. Citrus crops, vegetables
(particularly tomatoes), sugar-
cane, soybeans, peanuts and
pecans, watermelons, cantaloupe,
and strawberries are the mafor
crops With the exception of
sugarcane bagasse, which is
usually burned forfad orsome-
M.Laca Lrn STRAMN ANa
Jnca E. EECaCTOL
times stubble -mulch planted,
most crop residues are used to
feed livestock. Crop residues can
also be composted and used
on-site.
Backyard composting. The
Florida Master Composter
program, designed by Dr. George
Fitzpatrick (UF/IFAS), teaches
backyard composting in several
Florida counties. Hillsborough
County, which developed the
program during the ptstfive
years, has actively run workshops
with 30 households in five sites
throughout the county, and has
about 30 graduates. Amuch
newer program in Brevard
County has just a handful of
graduates.
Master Composters are
trained during afire -week 25 -
hour course using a comprehm-
sive handbook and interesting,
varied compasting demonstra-
tions and workshops Graduates
then donate 25 hours of time
helping to teach composting to
others. Graduates also receive a
backyard compost bin. (Polly
Ryan, Hillsborough County
Cooperative Extension Service,
personal communication).
Compost education. Along
with the Master Composter
Program, associations such as
Florida Organic Recyckrs
Association (FORA), and
institutions such as the
University of Florida/Institute
forFaod and Agric ltural
Sciences publish and supply
buJklimu reports, and handouts
for workshops and conferences
with the goal of educational
outreach. Much more outreach is
expected in compost education in
the near future.
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 11
PART I: THE BASICS/CHAPTER 2
What is Compost?
Once considered waste products, composted urban plant
debris and other organic materials have the potential to
breathe new life into Florida's sandy, nutrient poor soils.
Composting is a biological
process in which microor-
ganisms convert organic
matter into a stabilized, humus -
like substance. Many of the
organic materials used for com-
posting are inappropriate in their
raw form for use on land or
around living organisms because
of the presence of odors, weed
seeds, human pathogens, and
storage and handling constraints.
Composting helps to break down
organic residues, stabilize
nutrients, destroy weed seeds, and
control possible toxins or diseases
(Barker, 1997; Stratton et al.,
1995; Hoitink and Keener, 1993;
Haug, 1993). The resulting com-
post has numerous horticultural
and agronomic benefits and is
environmentally safe for use on
soils around plants, humans, and
animals (Stratton et al., 1995;
Barker, 1997).
Controlled decomposition
occurs as the result of the activi-
ties of naturally occurring macro -
and microorganisms (Figure 2- 1).
Bacteria, actinomyces, and fungi
are the primary microorganisms
involved in decomposition. To
grow and multiply, these micro-
organisms require carbon as an
energy source, nitrogen to build
proteins, moisture, and oxygen.
Enzymes, the active proteins, are
produced by bacteria and assist in
12C0MP0ST USE IA FL 0PI DA
MAAGIE LYNN S.C. AND JACK E. RECRC10L
UNIVERSM Or FLORLDVINSTrUTE Or FOOD AND
ADRICOLTORAL SCIENCE.
RANCE CATTLE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER
ONA, FLORIDA
breaking down complex carbohy-
drates into simpler forms, which
bacteria can use for food The
nutrients that become available
during decomposition remain in
the compost within the bodies of
new microorganisms and as
humus. Not all decomposition is
microbial; in fact, it starts with
macroorganisms, including earth-
worms, grubs, millipedes, spring
tails, and centipedes, which assist
in the process by digging,
chewing, and mixing compostable
materials,
The composting process does
not stop at a specific point but
continues until the remaining
nutrients are consumed by the last
remaining organisms and until
most of the carbon is converted
into carbon dioxide and water
(Rynk, 1992).
Compost has many beneficial
uses. Compost improves soil
aeration, soil drainage, the water -
holding capacity of sandy soils,
the percentage of organic
' materials in soils, and the ability
of soils to absorb and hold
nutrients.
Cornposting Past and
Present
The simplest form of com-
posting — the decomposition of
plant materials where they fall —
has been occurring naturally for
millions of years. In natural
settings, such as under forest
canopies, composting occurs as
leaf litter decomposes into
humus. With the advent of crop
cultivation and animal husbandry,
the resulting plant residues and
animal manures were sometimes
decomposed by gathering them
into mounds or piles to allow
composting to occur.
Farmers, greenhouse
operators, nursery crop managers,
landscapers, orchardists, backyard
and organic gardeners have been
making small compost heaps
informally for decades, often
simply to save the cost of
transporting and disposing the
materials. During the past few
decades, composting has become
a sophisticated and somewhat
well -researched science. And
while composting is still practiced
on a backyard or small -farm scale,
more and more often, it is now
carried out on a large scale as part
of local municipal waste manage-
ment programs. On a municipal
level, composting operations
usually require sophisticated
machinery and engineering
(Stratton et al., 1995; Hoitink and
Keener, 1993; Haug, 1993).
The first recorded method of
composting community wastes
was developed in India by Sir
Albert Howard in 1925. This
method called the Bangalore or
Indore system, simply involved
alternate layering of wastes in
trenches. Over time, as the scope
and scale of composting
increased with the amounts and
types of waste products handled,
innovative methods were devised
to speed or ease the process. The
layers were mounded, spread,
aerated with forced air, turned,
enclosed, exposed, chopped,
ground, dried, wet, sifted,
dumped from platforms, conveyed
up belts, or separated at the
source, for example. For the most
part, the various processes were
named for the company or
inventor involved with the latest
innovation and are summarized
in a review article by Stratton et
al. (1995).
In the United States during a
recent 5 year period, composting
facilities have increased from
2,200 to almost 3,500
(Christopher and Asher, 1994;
Fli ure 2-1; Food Web of the Compost Pile
Ken McEntree personal commu-
nication). During the 14 years
prior to 1997, biosolids com-
posting facilities have increased
from 90 total projects nationwide
(61 operating facilities) to 332
total projects (262 operating
facilities) as reported by Goldstein
and Block (1997'0). Seven states
reported a decrease in biosolids
composting from 1996 to 1997
(Goldstein and Block, 1997b).
Compost Materials
Any number of materials, or
feedstocks, can be composted,
including grass clippings and
other types of urban plant debris,
biosolids (commonly known as
sewage sludge), and other
organic materials. Recently, there
has been an increased interest in
composting municipal, industrial,
and agricultural by-products
(Stratton and Rechcigl, 1998).
Municipal solid waste, commonly
called trash or garbage, has been
CHAPTER 2: WHAT IS COMPOST?
composted and applied to many
crops, including forage pastures,
with improved yields and other
benefits (Shiralipour et al., 1992a;
Stratton and Rechcigl, 1997).
Coal bottom and fly ash, cement
kiln dust, biosolids, water treat-
ment sludges, food processing
by-products, animal and plant
residues, by-products from metal
smelting, paper and wood indus-
tries by-products, tannery sludges,
textiles production by-products,
rock dusts, chemical and drug
production by-products have all
been composted and land -applied
(Stratton and Rechcigl, 1998).
Unfortunately, not everything
that can be composted is com-
posted. Barker (1997) estimates
that 827 million tons of com-
postable materials are produced
each year, largely by agriculture,
municipalities, and industry.
However, only 140 million tons,
or 17 percent, of those are
collected for composting.
Source: Dr. Daniel Dindal, cited in Michigan Department of Natural Resources (1989). Yard Waste Composting Guide
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 13
CHAPTER 2: WHAT IS COMPOST?
Cornposting Methods
biosolids. With proper mixing
Currently, some of the best
i and ratios, and attention to
processes for composting
aeration, particle size, moisture
municipal solid waste or biosolids
i content and other engineering
include separating the source
i considerations, the resulting
materials at their point of origin
carbon -to -nitrogen ratio helps to
(source separation), reducing the
speed and enhance the compost -
size of the materials (size
ing process while also producing
reduction), and carefully mixing,
a high quality end product
aerating, and curing the compost
(Stratton et al., 1995; Haug, 1993;
for a few to several months to
Barker, 1997). In Florida, the
ensure compost maturity and
Palm Beach County Solid Waste
stability.
Authority's composter is such a
The composition and method
'; facility.
of processing compost varies
For each combination of
greatly with the feedstock
i materials, compost mixes and
composted (Stratton et al., 1995;
i ratios of feedstocks, as well as
Barker, 1997). If two or more
methodology and processes, are
materials are composted together,
specifically engineered for the
a method known as co -composting,
materials being composted and
the composting process may be
may be site-specific (Haug, 1993).
accelerated and the composition i
Much research is currently
of the final product may be
directed at composting of
greatly enhanced as a soil amend-
previously disposed resources and
ment and conditioner (Stratton
by-products of several industries
and Recbcigl, 1997). For example,
(Stratton and Rechcigl, 1998).
two materials composted together
Compost maturity has been
may include one high in carbon, €
determined in a number of ways
such as woody plant materials,
by a number of different
and one high in nitrogen, such as
researchers. In general, maturity
14COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
refers to properties of the
` compost that include, but are not
limited to
■ lack of plant toxins, such
as acetic acid, phenols, and
ammonia
■ stabilization (temporary
immobilization) of nutrients such
as nitrate -N, phosphorus, iron or
other elements which could
otherwise enrich ground or
surface waters
■ the absence of detrimental
bacteria, fungi and noxious odors
■ the presence of desirable
microorganisms, and
■ a noticeable reduction of
heating upon rewetting (Stratton
et al., 1995).
Several quick bioassays have
been developed to check compost
maturity. An easy method is a
seed germination test on compost
extract. (A. Shiralipour,
University of Florida, personal
communication). Others prefer
carbon dioxide release (Graetz,
1996) or oxygen uptake
measurements.
Developing a Market
for Compost Products
The potential market for compost products in Florida is
great The challenge is convincing the consumer to use
compost.
he growth of the compost
industry in the United States
and Florida is being driven
by the increasing cost of land-
filling waste, public support for
resource conservation, and
legislative mandates for waste
diversion — not by demand for
compost products. Yet if compost
is to become a valuable resource
to be managed for profit, new
markets for its use must be
developed.
How Much Compost Can
Florida Handle?
In 1996, about 23 million
tons of MSW were collected in
Florida (FDEP, 1997).
Researchers estimate that, if the
organic fraction of this waste
stream were to be biologically
decomposed, about 5.5 million
tons of compost would be
generated. But key questions
remain. Specifically, is the market
capacity in Florida sufficient to
use the compost produced? What
is the present market capacity for
composted products? And how
can Florida build markets for
composted products?
According to one study
(Slivka et al., 1992), the state's
agricultural industry alone could
use more than 20 million tons of
compost each year. And
PART I: THE BASICS/CHAPTER 3
statewide, as many as 42 million
tons of compost could be used
annually within a 50 -mile radius
of urban centers with populations
of more than 100,000. The
researchers imposed the distance
constraint of a 50 -mile radius
based on the perceived limited
economic viability of shipping
farther than 50 miles. In other
words, the potential use for
composted products in Florida is
more than 7.5 times the amount
of compost that could be
produced each year.
In 1992, the average annual
rate of compost penetration in
U.S. markets was less than 2% of
its potential uses (Slivka et al.,
1992). If the rate of compost
penetration in the Florida market
follows the national trend,
compost use in the state is only
` about 840,000 tons a year.
Clearly, Florida has a market
development challenge, not a lack
of market.
Developing a Viable
Market
For any type of compost to
be marketable, regardless of
origin, it must pass minimum
product standards for protection
of public health and the environ-
ment. And commercial compost
must consistently meet the
Am SFmUI.n'OuR
Cemneuom BIOMASS PRoaRAR9
UNIVERSnY OF FLORIDA
GAIN MLE, Fw;uoA
requirements of end uses, which
may vary widely. Many commu-
nities are finding it necessary to
meet or exceed all the require-
ments, and then put additional
efforts into marketing strategies
that involve education and market
development.
The long-term feasibility of
commercial composting depends
largely upon building a market by
demonstrating safe use and estab-
lishing benefits, both practical ani
financial. Table 3-1 outlines the
steps recommended for successful
compost market development.
Establishing Market
Niches and Overcoming
Barriers
New commercial cornposters
are discovering that not all com-
post users are created equal. Each
requires a specific product, and
the range of quality may vary
widely. For example, high-value
end -uses, such as a growing
medium for landscape nurseries,
require refined, mature, high
quality composts. On the other
hand, lower -value end -uses,
including use as a landfill cover or
in reclamation of surface mines,
can accept any class of general -
use compost. Experienced com-
post marketers have discovered
that a low -quality compost will
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 15
CNAPfER 3: DEVELOPING A MARKET FOR COMPOST PRODUCTS
Table 3l.
Steps for Successful Compost Market
Development
I. Conduct Market Assessments
A. Identify market requirements for compost
product(s)
B. Assess market capacity (current and potential)
H. Conduct chemical analyses on compost and plant
tissues
A. Demonstrate the limits in heavy metals and toxic
material content
B. Demonstrate the absence of odors and pathogens
C. Define methods to assure maturity and stability
M. Demonstrate the benefits of compost application
and the values associated with these benefits:
Benefits
Associated values
Increased water -holding
Water conservation
capacity
Increased cation -exchange
Fertilizer saving
capacity
Improved plant growth
Yield increase
response
Suppression of diseases
Pesticide reduction
IV. Develop ongoing working relationship with end-
users through educational programa
A. Workshops
B. Field days
C. Fact sheets
D. Media outreach to grower associations
E. Publication of findings in regional newsletters
and trade journals
not be marketed successfully to
high-value end-users, nor will a
low -value end-user pay the
premium price for high quality
compost Yet both groups will
require a safe and reliable
product.
Easing Concerns Over
Compost Quality
Quality is a function of the
physical, chemical, and biological
characteristics of compost.
Desirable physical characteristics
16 COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
of compost include a dark color,
uniform particle size, a pleasant
earthy odor, the absence of
physical contaminants (such as
glass or plastics), consistency,
and moisture content of approxi-
mately 50%. Desirable chemical
characteristics include balanced
nutrient levels (nitrogen -
phosphorus -potassium, and other
elements) and low levels of heavy
metals, PCBs, pesticides and salts.
In terms of desirable biological
characteristics, the compost must
be mature, with high organic -mat-
ter content, and be free of
pathogens and weed seeds.
One of the most important
steps in improving compost
quality is minimizing the presence
of hazardous materials such as
heavy metals. The highest quality
compost with the lowest levels of
potentially harmful contaminants
— particularly heavy metals and
physical contaminants — is
derived from source -separated
organic materials that were not
mixed with other materials during
collection or composting.
Following the trend in Europe,
the United States is beginning to
move away from mixed MSW
and toward source -separated
organic composting. (For more on
quality assurance of compost, see
page 21.)
Meeting the Needs of the
Consumer
As with all successful
products in the marketplace,
compost must meet the
requirements of the end-user.
Three factors are of particular
importance to compost users:
availability, cost, and quality.
Compost must be consistently
available for end-users when they
need it. If they choose to haul it
themselves, it must be in an easily
accessible location. The cost of
compost is a composite of the
costs of the product, its trans-
portation and its application.
Although availability and cost
are important factors in the
development of compost markets,
it appears that quality may be the
decisive factor. It is often stated
that high-quality compost will
always find a market.
Teaching Consumers to
Trust Compost
Communities with commer-
cial composting facilities have
discovered that producing the
finest product and making it
conveniently available are not
enough to entice some potential
consumers to try compost. A
solid educational program is
necessary in order to substantiate
the benefits of using the product.
Fortunately, scientists and educa-
tors at the Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences at the
University of Florida (Smith and
Shiralipour, 1997) have done
much work in communities to
build convincing arguments that
commercial composts are safe
and can be used beneficially
CHAPTER 3. DEVELOPING A MARKET FOR COMPOST PRODUCTS
(Gallaher 1995b). First, the IFAS
team designed a set of projects to
demonstrate the absence of pesti-
cides in commercial composts
and is now studying the process
for biological remediation during
composting. Additionally, the
scientists proved that they could
measure compost maturity and
stability and indicate nitrogen
availability. Next, they demon-
strated low levels of compost
toxic metal contents and the low
levels of these metals in crop
parts. Finally, they established
that applying compost improved
physical and chemical properties
of soils for vegetable crops,
assisted in retention of water and
nutrients in turfgrass soils, and
helped establish woody ornamen-
tals in landscape beds. Through
the efforts of IFAS scientists,
communities now have the educa-
tional tools they need to convince
potential consumers that applying
mature compost is a beneficial
and economically viable
alternative to conventional soil
treatments. QF
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 17
PART 2: REGULATORY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE ISSUES/CHAPTER 4
Regulations Affecting
Compost Production and Use
Federal and state regulations focus on safety of compost
products.
Regulations affecting compost
and its use address both
product procurement
provisions and environmental
requirements. Procurement
provisions are aimed at
encouraging markets for recycled
products. Environmental
regulations set limits needed to
classify compost so it can be used
safely. Both federal and state
regulations address these issues.
Federal Regulations for
Product Procurement
The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) guide-
lines for procurement of compost
are contained in Title 40 of the
Code of Federal Regulations, Part
247. Only one provision specifi-
cally mentions compost —
Section 247.15, which concerns
landscaping products. This
provision includes compost
"made from yard trimmings,
leaves, and/or grass clippings for
use in landscaping, seeding or
grass or other plants on roadsides
and embankments, as a nutritious
mulch under trees and shrubs,
and in erosion control and soil
reclamation." This section also
includes hydraulic mulch products
containing recovered wood used
for hydroseeding and as an
over -spray for straw mulch in
18 COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
RL"cmE Jova.
FtoRmA DEPARTMENT 0.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
TALLAHASSEE, FLORmA
landscaping, erosion control, and State Requirements for
soil reclamation. Title 40 Product Procurement
regulations can be accessed at the Florida recognizes that
EPA web site at compost is an important
h t t p: //www.epa.gov/epacfr40/ component of recycling. Section
(Environmental Protection CFR 403.7065, Florida Statute (ES.),
Pilot). requires state agencies, as well as
The EPA has also developed j others who use state funds, to
a series of fact sheets for its procure products or materials
"Buy -Recycled" program. The with recycled content where they
fact sheet for landscaping are reasonably available. Note
p r o d u c t s, EPA530-F-97-034, that the definition of "recycled
and other information, including :content" includes composted
a list of manufacturers, may be ;materials. Further, specific
accessed at provisions for state procurement
of compost are found in Section
403.714, ES. This section
specifies that state agencies must
"procure compost products when
they can be substituted for, and
cost no more than, regular soil
amendment products, provided
the compost products meet all
applicable state standards,
specifications, and regulations."
This provision further requires the
development of uniform product
specifications for procurement
and use of compost by all state
agencies. Copies of these
specifications may be obtained by
contacting the Florida
Department of Management
Services, Division of Purchasing
at 4050 Esplanade Way,
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0950.
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/
non-hw/procure. him.
Federal Regulations for
Environmental
Requirements
The two federal regulations
concerning compost are 40 CFR
Part 257 and Part 503. Section
257.3-5 contains provisions for
the application of municipal solid
waste to land used for growing
food -chain crops. This section
appears to need revisions to
reflect adoption of federal
biosolids regulations.
40 CFR Part 503 addresses
biosolids (also known as sewage
sludge or domestic wastewater
residuals). These regulations can
be accessed at the EPA web site
mentioned above.
State Environmental
Requirements
Two Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP)
regulations specifically address
compost use in Florida, depend-
ing on the feedstock processed
into the compost product. These
are Chapter 62-709 (Criteria for
the Production and Use of
Compost Made from Solid
Waste) and Chapter 62-640
(Domestic Wastewater Residuals),
Florida Administrative Code
(F.A.C.). Copies of these rules
can be obtained from the
Department's web site at:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us or
from one of the DEP District
Offices.
Solid waste
State regulations governing
the use of compost made from
solid waste are found in Chapter
62-709, F.A.C. The majority of
this chapter contains requirements
for the compost -producing facility
itself. However, this rule also con-
tains a classification scheme and
use restrictions based on the type
of compost produced.
Compost made from solid
waste is classified based on the
type of waste processed, compost
maturity/stability, the presence of
foreign matter, the size of holes in
the sieve used to screen the com-
post, the organic matter content,
and the concentration of heavy
metals. The concentration codes
used in the classification scheme
are identified in Table 4. 1. The
values for "Exceptional Quality"
limits specified in the federal reg-
ulation are included in this table
for comparison.
Table 4-2 illustrates the classi-
fication scheme for composted
materials. The requirements for
Type Y and Type YM are identi-
cal. However, a classification for
"yard trash only" was mandated
by the Florida legislature.
CHAPTER 4: REGULATIONS AFFECTING COMPOST PRODUCTION AND USE
TABLE 4-1
Quality Limits for Compost
DEP Solid Waste Compost— Concentration Coda EPA
etatas IN ata/3100 - Pao 503
Parameter 1
2
3
4 Biosolids
Cadmium <15
15-<30
30-100
>100 39
CoPPQ <450 -
- 450-<900 ; ..
:: .900-3,000,
>3,000 1,500
Lead <500
500-<1,000
1,000-1,500
>1,500 300
Nickel<50
- 50-1001
."100-500
>500 420
Zinc <900
900-<1,800
1,800-10,000
>10,000 2,800
TABLE 4-2
Classification of Compost made from Solid Waste
' This material may not contain any foreign matter, such as glass or metal shards, of
a size and shape that can cause injury.
Compost maturity, for purposes
of this regulation, is determined
by whether the compost will
reheat to more than 20 degrees
Centigrade (36 degrees
Fahrenheit) above ambient
temperature and the percent
reduction in organic matter.
Classification of a compost
made from solid waste affects
how it can be used. Only such
composts classified as Y, YM or
A have unrestricted distribution.
Types B and C are restricted to
use by commercial, agricultural,
institutional or governmental
operations. In other words, the
only restriction placed on Types B
and C is that they cannot be
distributed for use by the general
public. Further, only Type B can
be used in situations, such as in a
park, where contact with the
general public is likely. Compost
classified as Type D can only be
used at landfills or land reclama-
tion projects where contact with
the general public is not likely.
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 19
Types of Compost
Made from Solid Waste
Classification criteria
Y
YM
A
B
C
D
E
Type'of.waatepaoaraed „.
Yard trash only
X
X
Mamve or yard trash with maame
X
X
Other than only yard trash or manure
X
X
X
X
X
Product nurhad#.: _
Mature
X
X
X
X
X
..- semkoatume
X
X
X
X
Fresh
X
Fads, mattes contort
<2% dry weight
X
X
X'
>2%, but <4% dry weight
X*
>4%, but <10°/ dry weight
X
X
Steve sin and organic matter content
<I Omni: organic mniter>25°;,(ttme)
X
X
X
X
X
X
<15mm; organic matter>3WO (medium)
X<
.. X .
X
X
X
125mm; organic matter >35% (coarse)
X
X
X
X
E f ia" metal concentration by code
I
X
X
X
X
X
X
_ 2 -
X
X
X
3
X
X
4
X
' This material may not contain any foreign matter, such as glass or metal shards, of
a size and shape that can cause injury.
Compost maturity, for purposes
of this regulation, is determined
by whether the compost will
reheat to more than 20 degrees
Centigrade (36 degrees
Fahrenheit) above ambient
temperature and the percent
reduction in organic matter.
Classification of a compost
made from solid waste affects
how it can be used. Only such
composts classified as Y, YM or
A have unrestricted distribution.
Types B and C are restricted to
use by commercial, agricultural,
institutional or governmental
operations. In other words, the
only restriction placed on Types B
and C is that they cannot be
distributed for use by the general
public. Further, only Type B can
be used in situations, such as in a
park, where contact with the
general public is likely. Compost
classified as Type D can only be
used at landfills or land reclama-
tion projects where contact with
the general public is not likely.
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 19
CHAPTER 4: REGULATIONS AFFECTING COMPOST PRODUCTION AND USE
Finally, any solid waste compost
classified as Type E must be
disposed of in a landfill unless it
can be demonstrated that its use
will not harm the public or the
environment. Most compost
products made from solid waste
have been classified as Types Y,
YM or A.
There are also restrictions
regarding the total amount of
heavy metal that can be applied to
soils. These restrictions, expressed
as pounds per acre, are cadmium
— 4.45; nickel and copper — 111;
zinc — 222; and lead —445. As
these values are based on the
most restrictive soil cation
exchange, the rule also contains a
provision that allows a user to
demonstrate, through an analysis
of the cation -exchange capacity
and other physical and chemical
characteristics of the receiving
soil, that a higher application rate
would still provide an equal
degree of protection.
While this section discusses
the current requirements, the
concentrations for heavy metals
in the classification scheme were
established in 1989 and were
based on the criteria used to
regulate biosolids prior to
adoption of 40 CFR Part 503 by
the Environmental Protection
Agency. These EPA standards
were also used in the DER's
Residuals Rule, Chapter 62-640,
F.A.C. Further, not only are the
classification concentrations in
the Solid Waste Compost Rule
out-of-date, they are also based on
different risk assumptions and
methods of calculation than are
the Soil Cleanup Target Levels
used for other reuse -type
decisions within the Division of
Waste Management. Given that
Rule 62-709.600(8), F.A.C.,
stipulates that "compost shall not
be used in any manner that will
endanger public health and
welfare and the environment,"
and given the need for
consistency within the Division
for approving reuse projects, it is
anticipated that rule development
will be initiated to update this
rule and to incorporate the Soil
Cleanup Target Levels for heavy
metals in compost.
Biosolids
State of Florida regulations
governing the use of biosolids are
contained in Chapter 62-640,
F.A.C. The DEP Division of
Water Facilities provided a
summary of regulations affecting
residuals use in Biosolids
Managewent in Florida Beneficial
Use of Domestic Wastewater
Residuals (DEP May 1997).*
Chapter 2 of that document
"Regulations Affecting the
Beneficial Use of Residuals,"
addresses residuals classified as
"Class A" or "Class B" under
both state and federal regulations,
and residuals classified as "Class
AA' under state regulations.
In summary, only biosolids
that have received the highest
degree of treatment for pathogen
reduction and that also meet the
most stringent pollutant limits
specified in the regulation are
designated as Class AA. Most or
all of the biosolid compost
currently produced in Florida
meets the Class AA requirements.
These residuals are subject to the
"Exceptional Quality" limits
specified in the federal regulations
and the Class AA limits listed in
the state rule. While use of
bicsolids meeting these criteria
does not require an Agricultural
Use Plan, nutrient content
information and recommended
application rates must be
provided to the user.
A Matter of Safety
It is important to remember
that the criteria established in the
environmental regulations address
product safety and not the
requirements of a particular
end-user. 0
*Copies are available free of charge from the DEP's Bureau of Water Facilities, 2600 Blair Stone Road,
Tallahassee, FL 32399.
2000MPOST USE IN FLORIDA
PART 2: REGULATORY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE ISSUES/CHAPTER 5
Compost and Quality
Assurance
Compost products made with an emphasis on quality and
consistency will have no shortage of uses or users.
omposts are made from a
changing assemblage of
organic feedstocks. For this
reason, there can be a great deal
of variation in the chemical and
physical parameters of compost.
The quality of the compost can
influence the soil's pH, soluble
salt levels, exchange capacity,
aeration, particle size distribution,
bulk density and water -holding
capacity. Consequently, the
highest quality compost products
frequently compare favorably with
peat and other high value organic
substrates. The low quality
compost materials may retard
plant growth, and, in extreme
cases, may contribute to plant
mortality.
Plant producers should be
aware that certain quality
parameters can make the
difference between successful and
unsuccessful use of compost
products.
Assessing Compost Quality
Parameters
Compost products are used in
four general ways: (1) as a stand-
alone container growing medium,
(2) as a component in a container
growing medium mixture, (3) as
an organic top dressing, and
(4) as an incorporated soil
amendment.
Although there is no perfect
GEORGE E. FmFATatcR
UNIVERSITY OF FLORaM
FORT LAUDERDALE RESEARCn Amr EDUCATION CENTER
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLoRau
growing medium for all crops
under all growing conditions,
numerous authors have described
general recommendations. For
example, for container grown
foliage crops, Joiner (198 1)
recommends the following
general parameters: bulk density:
0.30 grams per centimeter cubed
(g/cm3) (dry), 0.60-1.20 g/cm3
(wet); percent pore space: 5-30%;
percent water -holding capacity:
!. 20-60%;pH: 5.5-6.5; soluble
salts: 400-1 ,000 ppm; cation -
exchange capacity: 1 0-100
meq/ 100 Cm3.
A variety of plant species are
sensitive to high salt concentra-
tions. Salts in the growth medium
disrupt water uptake or directly
affect the physical functions of
plants. If these types of plants are
exposed to high salt concentm-
i tions, their growth might be
suppressed or seized. Therefore,
composts with high salt
concentrations could cause
i toxicity in sensitive plant species.
` Even a high rate of compost
application with low salt content
might cause injury in such plants.
Thus, a high quality compost
physically may be low quality if
the salt concentration is high.
Of the four general uses for
f compost, the stand-alone
container growing medium
category requires the highest
quality compost. When compost
products are used as components
i in growing medium mixtures or
are applied directly to agricultural
soils, a lower quality of compost
product may be acceptable. For
example, Rynk et al. (1992)
indicate that a soluble salt
concentration of less than 2.5
decisiemen per meter (dS/m) is
I necessary for a stand-alone
container medium, but a value of
i less than 6.0 (dS/m is acceptable
when the compost product is to
i be used as a component in a
growing medium mixture, and a
€ value of less than 20 dS/m is
i acceptable when the compost
product is to be used as an
incorporated soil amendment. If
i salt levels are a concern, it is wise
i to wait until a rain or other
watering event occurs to dilute
the salts.
Numerous factors can
influence the likelihood that any
compost product will have
i sufficient quality as a rooting
i medium. These include the parent
material from which the compost
product was made, the pre-
processing and postprocessing
procedures to which the substrate
i was subjected, the amount of
time of active composting and the
maturity of the compost product,
the amount of inert material in
the compost product, the
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 21
CHAPTER 5: COMPOST AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
concentration of regulated
elements (heavy metals), and
the presence of pathological
microbiological organisms.
Parent Material
The composition of the
parent material can sometimes
influence the quality of the
compost product. The parent
material may affect the particle
size, nutrient content and soluble
salts in the final product Very
fine composts tend to separate
and block drainage in pots, while
a compost with coarse, fibrous
properties creates a porous medi-
um that facilitates drainage. For
example, a compost made from
biosolids (sewage sludge) supports
more rapid growth in container -
grown vibumum (Viburnum
suspension) than do composts
made from nitrogen -poor
materials such as garbage, urban
plant debris, and stable sweepings
(Fitzpatrick and Verkade, 199 1).
Preprocessing and
Postprocessing
Procedures employed at the
composting facility before and
after the active composting period
can sometimes influence compost
quality. For example, sludges
frequently are stabilized and
conditioned prior to composting.
If a sludge is stabilized by treat-
ment with ferric chloride and
lime, a common practice in many
wastewater treatment facilities,
the level of soluble salts in the
finished compost product may be
significantly higher than in
compost made from sludge that
had been stabilized using a wet -
air oxidation process. When com-
posts made from sludges treated
with stabilization and
conditioning preprocessing
procedures were used to grow the
non -salt -tolerant container crops
Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa' and
Schefflem arboricola, plants grown
220OMP08T USE IN FLORIDA
in the compost with higher solu-
ble salt levels were significantly
smaller than plants grown in
composts with lower soluble salts
(Figure 5-1). However, both
compost products resulted in
plants that were significantly
larger than those grown in a
control medium consisting of
40% peat, 50% pine bark and 10%
sand (Fitzpatrick, 1986).
Other processing procedures,
such as screening, can influence
the physical quality of the com-
post products by making them
more homogenous and, conse-
quently, easier for the grower to
mix and apply. Smaller plants
usually require composts that
have passed through small diame-
ter screens. Plants grown in large
tubs or in soil with incorporated
composts may do well with
coarser material.
Active Cornposting Time
and Compost Product
Maturity
The earliest references on
i
composting time published in the
modern era (e.g., Howard and
Wad, 193 1) indicate an optimum
composting time of approxi-
mately 6 months for mixtures
containing 25% of high nitrogen
i material, such as animal manure,
i and 75% of high carbon material,
such as plant debris. Many
current commercial compost
producers promise a stabilized
end product in a much shorter
period because of the capability
for preprocessing, mixing,
aerating and managing moisture
content. Producers may feel a
strong economic incentive to
accelerate active composting into
i the shortest possible time period.
! If the processing time is too short,
an immature compost may result.
Commercial plant producers who
purchase compost products from
such sources must be mindful of
the negative effects associated
Figure 5-1.5pathiphyqum 'Mauna Loa'
groton in a compost product tlmt laid an
average electrical conductivity of 3.9
dS/rn (left) attained an average size of
1.39 Hines the control. Plants gmvn in
compost ruith 7.5 dS/m conductivity
(middle) attained an average size of 1.19
Hees the control. Control medium
conductivity averages 3.5 dS/nu
(Fitzpatrick, 1986).
with immature composts. These
include biological blockage of
nitrogen uptake (nitrogen -rob),
deformity or death of plant parts
by phytotoxic chemicals in imma-
ture composts, increased mobility
of certain toxic elements in the
soil, and similar effects (Jimenez
and Garcia, 1989). Many growers
who use compost products store
newly delivered material for 6-12
months, allowing it to decompose
further, as insurance against
possible phytotoxic effects.
Inert Material Content
Certain types of parent
materials are often likely to
contain noncompostable sub-
stances, such as particles of glass,
plastic, and metal objects. These
materials may be unsightly and
hazardous, particularly if the
inert materials have sharp edges.
If a compost is made exclusively
from materials such as yard trim-
mings, leaves, or other plant
debris, inert material usually is
not a problem. If, however, a
compost is made from municipal
solid waste, inert materials might
cause problems, particularly if the
parent materials had not been
subjected to sufficient preprocess-
ing to segregate inert materials.
Some states have passed environ-
mental regulations limiting the
amount of inert materials allowed
in compost products. In Florida,
state regulations mandate that
inert materials may not exceed
2%, by weight, in compost prod-
ucts marketed for unrestricted
horticultural uses. In other areas,
compost producers and brokers
have developed self-regulation
programs. For example, compost
producers in Ohio will not sell a
compost product for nursery use
if the inert material level exceeds
OS%, by weight (Tyler, 1993).
Regulated Elements
One of the almost universal
concerns related to compost use is
the question of regulated ele-
ments. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency has issued
recommendations for the
maximum permissible levels of
10 heavy metals in compost
products: arsenic, cadmium,
chromium, copper, lead, mercury,
molybdenum, nickel, selenium
and zinc. Many states have passed
their own regulations, using the
federal recommendations as
guidelines. While there can be
substantial differences in heavy
metal concentrations between
different types of compost
products that may be attributable
to the parent material and the
relative level of preprocessing,
the overwhelming majority of
compost products available at the
present time fall well within
federal and state guidelines
(Chaney and Ryan, 1993). In fact,
commercial composts in Florida
are required to meet these guide-
lines.
The safety of compost
products is further assured by the
reduction of toxic heavy metals in
waste streams brought about by
the implementation of industrial
pretreatment programs, as well as
by quality control programs
CHAPTER 5: COMPOST AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
practiced by commercial compost
producers and monitored by
governmental regulatory
authorities.
Biological Status
A common concern held by
many people relative to compost
use is the possible presence of
pathogenic organisms. The high
temperatures reached during
active composting (from 130 to
140 degrees Fahrenheit) have
been shown to reduce to insignifi-
cant levels any pathogens that
might have been present in the
parent material (Burge, 1983;
Haug, 1993). However, since
commercial composting is
frequently conducted on a large
scale, involving hundreds of tons
per day, questions have been
raised about whether cool spots
exist in places within active com-
post piles and whether pathogenic
organisms could reinoculate the
final product. These issues are
normally addressed by examining
representative samples of
compost products and conducting
microbiological screenings.
Usually, the pathogens themselves
are not cultured. Rather, the
compost samples are tested for
the presence of indicator
organisms, such as fecal coliform
bacteria. Indicator organism tests
are simple, reliable and are
required by both federal and state
regulations. They serve as an
additional safeguard to insure the
maintenance of compost quality,
and safety.
Another microbiological issue
of concern is the presence of the
ubiquitous thereto -tolerant fungus
Aspergilimfumigaars, a saprophyte
frequently found in decaying
organic materials. A. fumigatus is
one of the relatively few fungi
that can be pathogenic to
humans, since the human body
temperature, 37 degrees C, is the
optimum temperature for its
growth (Oliver, 1994). However,
the relatively small number of
confirmed cases of aspergillosis,
coupled with the ubiquity of A.
fumigatus in the environment,
implies that the susceptibility of
humans is rather low. A recent
review of the literature indicates
that humans with suppressed
immune systems may become ill
after only minimal exposure to A.
fumigatus. But healthy individuals
from the general population
appear to show no significant
health impacts from exposure to
this fungus (Maritato et al., 1992).
Moreover, the average hor icul-
rural worker is exposed to many
substrates containing A, fumigatus,
such as soil, peat, sawdust, wood
chips, and other products. If
horticultural workers do not
experience any aspergillosis
symptoms from contact with
these kinds of products, it is not
any more likely that they would
experience symptoms as a result
from exposure to compost
products.
Weed seeds are also a
concern. Shiralipour (1990) and
McConnell placed weed seeds in
plastic mesh bags, which were
then placed in composting piles.
Exposure of the weed seeds to
[ temperatures of 150 degrees
Fahrenheit for only a few hours
was adequate to kill the weeds.
Growing Possibilities for
Quality Compost
The potential for using
compost by agricultural interests
is great. If compost products are
made with an emphasis on
quality and consistency, it is likely
that use of these materials will
continue to expand in crop
production. O
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 23
PART 2: REGULATORY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE ISSUES/CHAPTER 6
How to Produce High
Quality Compost
The right mix of raw materials combined with state-of-the-
art technology yields a high quality end product.
Acompost recipe usually is a
combination of organic
materials, or feedstocks,
capable of producing a balanced
end product, one that is nontoxic
to plants, people,
that improves soil
Common fodder
includes tree bark, manure, leaves,
PATRICK D. BYERS
SOLID WAsra AUTHORITY Or PALM Bum COUNTY
WFsr PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
homogenous mix. Many combi-
nations can be tried and mixes
can be changed often, based on
the availability and uniformity of
the raw materials and the needs of
and animals and the market.
quality.
for composting Common
cardboard, food waste, soiled
paper, wastewater residuals
(biosolids), grass clippings, tree
trimmings — in effect, just about
anything organic and biodegrad-
able in nature. A balanced recipe
must also factor in such parame-
ters as proper moisture levels,
carbon -to -nitrogen ratio, particle
size, and porosity of the final
mix.
Sometimes, it is necessary to
analyze the physical and chemical
characteristics of individual
organic sources to help develop
recipes. Certain organic materials,
for instance, may contain contam
ination from sources such as
heavy metals, pesticides, plastics,
or salts. Care must be taken to
limit the contamination of mw
materials.
After the raw materials have
been selected, they must be
combined prior to composting.
Mixing can be done in special
units designed for this purpose or
by front end bucket loaders that
pick up and toss materials into a
24COM OST USE IN FLORIDA
Cornposting
Systems
Composting technology can
he as simple as using a pitchfork
and people power, or as sophisti-
cated as computer -controlled,
state-of-the-art machines will
allow. Generally speaking, the
better the technology that is used,
the higher is the quality of the
compost. Three types of compost
technologies currently are the
most widely used:
Windrow composting, the least
sophisticated of the three,
involves placing a mixture of
organic waste materials into long,
narrow piles approximately six
feet high by twelve feet wide and
as long as is necessary. The
compost process is accelerated by
frequent turning of the windrow
with a front-end loader or custom
designed machinery built for this
purpose. Turning fluffs the pile
and increases porosity of the
mixture, which helps to improve
the introduction of ambient air
into the windrow.
Aerated static pile composting
provides for mechanical
i introduction of ambient air and
requires no turning of the organic
i mixture once the pile is formed.
By controlling air mechanically,
this process allows the use of
larger piles. When composting
with this method, an air plenum
is constructed and the organic
mixture is placed in piles on top
of the air plenum. Piles are built
as high as equipment allows,
normally eight to twelve feet.
Air is either pushed into or pulled
from the pile by a blower
connected to the air plenum
system. Aerated static piles can be
constructed individually or in
extended piles. Individual piles,
constructed all at once, allow the
processing to occur in batches.
` Extended piles consist of a series
of cells created over the course of
many days and stacked against
each other to form one long
rectangular pile. A temperature
sensor placed within the pile
works in conjunction with the
blower to control temperature and
oxygen concentrations within the
pile.
In -vessel composting involves
confining the compost process to
a variety of containers or vessels.
Different in -vessel systems use a
variety of methods to enhance
and accelerate the compost
process. However, each system
usually includes some method for
CHAPTER 6: HOW TO PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY COMPOST
aeration, mixing, compost process been met and the desired compost more on block stockpiling, see
temperature control, and contain-
produced. Common test methods
page 26.)
ment of odors. In -vessel systems
measure the carbon -to -nitrogen
generally are the most costly of
ratio, respiration rate, moisture,
Finishing
the three major technologies
pH, and weed seeds. Additional
Finishing, or post -processing,
because of high capital construc-
tests are run based on regulatory, i
is usually undertaken to provide a
tion costs. Most are proprietary
environmental, or end-use
uniform and customized product
systems that require greater
requirements.
that is acceptable and marketable
operation and maintenance
to customers. Considerations
expenses and a higher skill level
Curing
include particle size, moisture
to operate.
The curing process further
content, carbon -to -nitrogen ratio,
Once a recipe has been
assures that a uniform and well-
color, texture, removal of contain -
established, the mixture will be
digested compost is produced.
inants, and nutrient and bacterial
incorporated into the compost
The length of the curing period
content Finishing can include
technology chosen, either
depends on how well the organic
screening, blending, introducing
windrow, aerated static pile, or
materials were decomposed
additional nutrients and bacteria,
in -vessel composting. These
during the digestion process and
drying, and bagging.
technologies were designed to
on the ultimate end-use of the
The most common finishing
accelerate the decomposition
compost.
practice is screening, which can
process of organic materials. How
During the curing period, the
significantly improve the value
these processes are managed will
compost continues to decompose
and quality of compost to be dis-
either speed up or slow down the
but at a slower rate than that
tributed. Screening can improve
decomposition process, ultimately
which occurs during digestion.
the appearance, texture, nutrient
influencing the quality and cost of
This continued decomposition
content, and carbon -to -nitrogen
the product.
improves the compost characteris-
ratio of the compost, as well as
tics and is an important part of
remove unwanted materials.
Digestion
the overall composting process
Screening also creates fractions
During the composting
quality control program. i
for specific end uses.
process, microorganisms occur-
Maintaining aerobic condi-
The economics of finishing
ring naturally in organic materials i
tions in curing piles is usually
also should be considered. The
transform them into compost
difficult to achieve. Anaerobic
costs of finishing should be
through digestion. That is, the
conditions can develop which
evaluated along with the value
microorganisms break down the
may lead to odors and the
and demand for the product.
various organic materials into
development of compounds that
simple compounds that are more
could be detrimental to plants. If
Storage
uniform and biologically less
compost is to be distributed from
Maintaining some inventory
active. In order to accelerate the
curing piles, it should be turned
of finished compost products is
composting process, these
two to three times to release :
usually inevitable. Storage of
organisms need an environment
odors and reintroduce aerobic i
compost materials may also be
that allows them to flourish.
conditions prior to distribution. i
accomplished throughout the
The main aspects for proper
Curing can occur outside or
curing, finishing, and distribution
management in the composting
under -cover. Under -cover i
processes.
process include temperature,
operations usually have fewer
Storage of materials can be
aeration, and moisture control
problems because rainfall does
under -cover, in containers, or
Low temperatures are indicative i
not factor into the curing process.
outside. Under -cover and
of reduced microorganism
When curing outside, considera-
container .storage will help
activity and could indicate a lack
tion should be given to the effects
prevent the effect of weather
of oxygen or inadequate moisture
of rainfall, which can be either
conditions on materials.
conditions. Most often, low
beneficial or detrimental,
Container storage will also allow
temperatures are the result of lack
depending on the moisture
the potential for control of odors,
of oxygen. i
content of the compost. Good
if necessary. Outside storage
Once the composting process
drainage, a solid base for
usually is the least costly but can
is believed to be complete, testing
equipment operations, and large
be the most problematic. Outside
should be performed to ensure
block curing stockpiles will
storage considerations include the
that the composting goals have
maintain compost quality. (For
type of storage pad stormwater
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 2S
CHAPTER 6: HOW TO PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY COMPOST
drainage and collection, odor i use of block stockpiling. Block
potential, and Mother Nature. An stockpiling is the process of
improved area that manages making piles as high as possible
stormwater to reduce the effects without running equipment up on
on the materials is essential. I the sides of stockpiles, and as
Movement of materials when the long and wide as possible, taking
wind direction is away from into consideration fire prevention
homes, businesses, or other needs. Block stockpiling reduces
receptors is important. the surface exposure of materials
Sizing of stockpiles to to outside weather conditions.
prevent weather conditions from i Because of the insulating
affecting materials includes the characteristics of compost
260OMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
materials, higher heat levels are
i also maintained within the
storage pile to prevent the
reintroduction of weed seeds and
€ human disease -causing bacteria.
Typically, the heat generated
from the composting process will
also prevent rainfall from
i affecting the compost. Most
j moisture that falls on the block
stockpile will evaporate within a
few days. (1)
PART 3: AGRICULTURAL USES FOR COMPOST IN FLORIDA/CHAPTER 7
The Effects of Compost
on Soil
When used as a soil amendment, compost can improve soil
quality, help conserve watev, and may reduce the need for
fertilizers and pesticides.
hen used in sufficient
amounts, compost has
both an immediate and
long-temr positive impact on soil
properties. Compost products
provide a more stabilized form of
organic matter than raw wastes
and can improve such physical
properties as water -holding
capacity, water infiltration, water
content, aeration and permeabili-
ty, soil aggregation and rooting
depth. Compost products also
decrease soil crusting, bulk
density, runoff, and erosion. The
chemical properties of soils that
have been treated with compost
are often improved, as well, as
soil biological activities.
water -holding capacity increased
by 43 percent (McConnell et al.,
1993). In Gallaher's usage of
compost in a corn crop, the
compost treatment increased soil
water storage by an amount
equivalent to two acre -inches of
rainfall or irrigation (Gallaher
and McSorley, 1994).
In sandy soils of Florida wit
low water retention, both the
frequency of irrigation in
agricultural farms and energy
consumption resulting from wat
pumping should decrease as a
result of compost application.
are Soil Bulk Density
Water -Holding Capacity
The application of compost
products can markedly increase
the water -holding capacity of
soils. The increase is attributed to
improved pore size distribution
(Pagliai et al., 1981). Pores in the
range of OS -50 micromillimeters
(mm), called storage pores, hold
water necessary for growth of
plants and microorganisms.
Most mineral soils used for
an agricultural purpose should
receive compost rates of 10 to 15
tons/acre to increase water -
holding capacity by five to 10
percent. When 146 tons/acre of
MSW compost was applied, the
h
er
The use of heavy equipment
for crop planting and harvesting
increases soil bulk density of
agricultural soils due to
compaction. This causes
limitation of pore spaces, which
decreases the aeration and water -
holding capacity of soils. The
incorporation of compost
products in compacted soils, on
the other hand decreases bulk
density and increases pore
volume, the rate of water
infiltration and the volume of air
in the soil medium (McConnell et
al., 1993). The reduction in bulk
density of mineral soils depends
on the rates of compost
application, the soil type, and
the degree of soil compaction.
Azrz SmISALWoua
C.R BIOMASS PaooFAas
U�asrry OF FLoRmA
GAQiF.Svn _S, FYoamA
Soil Erosion
Compost plays an important
role in control of erosion by both
water and wind. The degree of
soil erosion by water depends on
the strength of soil aggregates to
withstand raindrop impact and
surface flow. Composts with high
organic matter content perform
well for controlling erosion by
water.
For controlling wind erosion,
long-term research has shown
that use of normal-size MSW
compost is more effective than the
very fine variety' Small particle
size and lightweight compost
products are susceptible to wind
erosion under and conditions.
Soil PH
Soil pH affects the availability
and absorption of nutrients by
plants, particularly micronutri-
ents. Most compost products have
a near neutral or slightly alkaline
pH with a high buffering capacity.
Elevation of pH by compost
application can bring about strong
absorption of and, in some cases,
precipitation of cadmium (Cd),
manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and
zinc (Zn) in soil particles, result-
ing in lower accumulations of
these elements in plant tissues.
Most agronomic crops grow
well when the soil pH is between
6.0 and 7.0. Addition of compost
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 27
CHAPTER 7. THE EFFECTS OF COMPOST ON SOIL
to acid soils and subsequent pH
low. One reason is that release of
technology used to produce the
elevation reduces or eliminates
nitrogen from an organic source
compost. The nitrogen -
aluminum (Al) or manganese
such as compost is in a mineral
phosphorous -potassium (N -P -K)
(Mn) toxicity, which can occur
form that is unavailable to plant
ratio of most composted MSW is
when soil pH is below 5.5.
roots. Compost nitrogen is a
such that application to soils at a
(Hernando et al., 1989).
valuable slow released nitrogen
: rate selected to satisfy the
The change in pH values of
source. The rate of microbial
nitrogen needs of a crop might
mineral soils by compost applica-
mineralization and release of
result in excess additions of
tion depends upon the composted
available nitrogen from structural
phosphorus and insufficient levels
material and the initial soil pH
forms in the compost depend on
of potassium. Consequently, the
and the soil's buffering capacity.
the local climate and the soil type.
use of supplemental fertilizes
Incorporation of compost at rates
The first year rate may vary from
may be required to bring the
of 10 to 20 tons/acre usually I
5% to more than 75% (Sommers
nutrient levels in balance with
increases by 0.5 to 1 .O
and Giordano, 1984).
crop demand. As with all fertil-
unit in acid soils (Hernando et al., :
Because of the warts and
ization practices, the amounts of
1989).
humid climate and sandy soils in
nitrogen, phosphorus and
Florida, the rate of nitrogen
potassium required for crop
Cation -Exchange Capacity
mineralization is very high; there-
production are best determined
Cation -exchange capacity
fore, plant response to compost
by soil testing.
(CEC) is the sum total exchange-
nitrogen is much quicker than in
The quantity of other macro
able cations that soil can absorb.
cold regions of the U.S., such as
and microelements in compost
Cation -exchange capacity of soils
the northeast, with lower annual
products depends on the feed -
is important in retaining nutrients
rainfall and heavier soils.
stock's type and origin and the
against leaching by irrigation
Incorporation of compost
method of compost production.
water or rainfall. Sandy soils tend
types with high carbon -to-
Their availability is also
to show the greatest increase in :
nitrogen ratios will elevate the
.' controlled by mineralization or
CEC by compost application. In a
carbon -to -nitrogen ratios of soils.
compost decomposition rate.
Florida sandy soil, a compost
A soil carbon -to -nitrogen ratio
: Nevertheless, keep in mind that
application rate of 15 tons/acre
above 30 causes nitrogen
composts are seldom used as
increased CEC by about 10% i
immobilization, or nitrogen -rob,
fertilizer but as an overall soil
(Hortenstine and Rothwell, 1973).
and nitrogen deficiency in plants.
conditioner.
High rates of compost application
Nitrogen -rob occurs when micro -
(more than 10 tons/acre)
organisms consume the available
Soil Microorganisms
increased soil CEC, while low
plant nitrogen in the soil in order
The activity of soil micro -
rates (less than 10 tons/acre) did
to decompose the compost.
organisms is affected by compost
not change or had minimal effect
Application of nitrogen as a
application. Microorganisms play
on CEC. Research results indicate
mineral fertilizer usually corrects
an important role in decomposi-
that application rates of 15 to 30
this type of nitrogen deficiency.
tion of soil organic matter, which
tons/ acre would increase the
Alternatively, if cropping can be
i leads to formation of humus and
CEC of most mineral soils used
delayed a few months, the
available plant nutrients. An in -
for agricultural purposes by a
compost will stabilize in the soil,
crease in soil organic matter con -
minimum of 10% (McConnell et
correcting the problem.
tent through compost application
a1., 1993).
Application of compost as a
can promote mot activity, as spe-
soil amendment reduces nitrogen
cific fungi function symbiotically
Nutrient Content
leaching from soil. Therefore,
with roots, assisting them in the
Although compost products
utilization of compost as a soil
extraction of nutrients from soils.
contain a considerable quantity of
amendment could reduce the
macro and microelements, the
amount of commercial nitrogen
Earthworms
nutrient content of compost prod-
fertilizer applied and decrease the
The population of earth-
ucts is lower than commonly used
possibility of nitrate groundwater
worms is also increased by the
chemical fertilizers. And although
contamination (Shiralipour et al.,
addition of sufficient levels of
nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) :
1992b).
compost products. The soil
contents of compost are higher
The nitrogen content of a
movements and tunneling by the
than most agricultural soils, the
composted product depends on
earthworms results in enhanced
availabilities of these nutrients are
the feedstock and processing
aeration and water infiltration.
2g COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
Soil -Borne Plant Pathogens
Application of compost has
been advocated by `organic'
farmers for many years as a way
to reduce or eliminate the use of
pesticides and soil fumigants.
Indeed, suppression of soil -borne
plant pathogens by organics has
been well documented by some
investigators (Hoitink et al.,
1993). This occurs through a
CHAPTER T: THE EFFECTS OF COMPOST ON SOIL
phenomenon known as
antagonism or amensalism.
Microorganisms that produce
substances toxic to competing
populations will naturally have a
competitive advantage. For
example, a species of bacteria
commonly found in compost
produces antifungal volatiles
(Fiddaman and Rossal, 1993).
Hoitink et at. (1993) have shown
that wood waste compost was at
least as effective as fungicides in
controlling Phytophthom root rots.
In such cases, it appears that
composts increase host vigor and
their ability to resist infection by
pathogens. Thus, compost
application can eliminate or
reduce the use of pesticides. O
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 21�
PART 3: AGRICULTURAL USES FOR COMPOST IN FLORIDA/CHAPTER 8
The Benefits of MSW
Composts in South Florida
Compost use offers an economical way to enrich the
nutrient poor soils of South Florida.
outh Florida has a combina-
tion of geographical and
environmental conditions
that make it unique to the conti-
nental United States. Because
South Florida is situated on a
formerly submerged coral shelf,
there is very little naturally
occurring topsoil. In addition, the
region's subtropical environment
ensures a constant, rapid, and
continuous degradation of any
naturally occurring organics
With the exception of the
Everglades agricultural region,
this has prevented an accumula-
tion of rich soils preferred by
agricultural producers. However,
plenty of warmth, sunlight, and
water help compensate for the
lack of rich soils. Through the
addition of relatively large
amounts of fertilizers, pesticides,
fungicides, and herbicides, bounti-
ful good quality crops, including
vegetables, tree crops, ornamen-
tals, turf, and landscape materials,
can be grown successfully.
Researchers are now discovering
that the addition of composts,
especially municipal solid waste
composts, can be particularly
beneficial in this region.
Using MSW Compost in
South Florida
During the 1992-1993 crop
year, approximately 20,000 tons
3000MPOST USE IN FLORIDA
of Second Nature MSW compost,
produced by Reuter Recycling of
Florida, was distributed over 315
acres of South Florida farmlands
distributed from Florida City to
Boca Raton. Two different
compost rates (20 and 40 tons per
acre, plus a control rate of 0 tons)
were applied at four different
locations, with diverse soil types,
ranging from sandy to rocky, that
produced a variety of crops,
including beans, eggplant, pep-
pers, tomatoes, squash, zucchini,
herbs, and others. In the compost
test areas, average crop yield
increases of between 28% and
44% were experienced in con-
trolled, large-scale research plots
in the fields. Results also
demonstrated increased nutrients,
decreased crop water require-
ments, nematode and pathogen
suppression, a reduction of the
impact of crop production on
groundwater supplies, and a
reduction in weed populations in
compost -amended areas. There
were also indications of possible
pest suppression in compost -
treated areas.
While the crop responses to
the compost applications were
crop -specific, a general trend
toward larger plants was observed
for most crops. There were also
cavy -over crop benefits seen
during the following season, with
DEAN RICIIARDSON
REUTER RECYCLING OF FLORm&
PE.�Rou PINES, FLORmA
TRoeiw. TItMCAPES
MI , FY.oRRM
indications of further carry-over
through to the third season.
Further, the reduction in chemical
dependency for crop production
will favorably impact both the
farmer and the environment in
the near future. All of these
observations are consistent with
results recorded throughout the
history of compost production, of
the benefits of amending native
soils with composts.
South Florida is also home to
one of the largest ornamental
plant production areas in the
United States. Tremendous
amounts of potting soils and
topsoils used in landscaping and
container plant production are
consumed in South Florida each
year. One of the basic compo-
nents of potting soils is peat
moss. The major topsoil
component used for landscaping
is muck, a highly degraded form
of naturally occurring sedge peat
found in limited areas of Florida.
The normal function of this
material in nature is as a natural
water filtration medium that
cleanses surface water as it
percolates through the ground
into the underground aquifers
that make up our groundwater.
Removal of this sedge peat or
muck surface substrate for usage
as a potting media or topsoil
effectively removes a like amount
of natural water purification
capability, thus reducing the water
quality as well as the amount of
clean water available for public
consumption. Finding a suitable
substitute for the muck and sedge
peat fractions of potting medias
and topsoils is a critical task. It is
becoming increasingly clear that
MSW composts appear to have
CHAPTER 8: THE BENEFITS OF MSW COMPOSTS IN SOUTH FLORIDA
the ability to act as that substitute.
Research ongoing at the
University of Florida has clearly
demonstrated the ability of MSW
compost to replace peat moss
one-for-one in potting soils.
Demonstration projects at a
number of different commercial
nurseries verified the study
results. Landscape topsoil
production using MSW composts
as one of the major components
proved to be a successful
commercial endeavor, with the
end product having already been
i successfully used on numerous
landscape projects. Project
expansions into turf production
and public works are also
planned.
COMPOST USE IN FLORIOR 31
PART 3: AGRICULTURAL USES FOR COMPOST IN FLORIDA/CHAPTER 9
How Compost Benefits
Citrus Crops
Applying compost to Florida citrus trees stay reduce disease,
stimulate treegrowth and increase crop yield.
ttNs is the most economi-
cally important and widely
planted crop in Florida,
covering about 675,000 acres in
Central and South Florida.
Between 1992 and 1994, more
than 10.3 million new trees were
planted on sandy soils, mostly
low in organic matter, and poor
in nutrient exchange and water -
holding capacity. Recent studies
have demonstrated that compost-
ed municipal solid waste
(CSMW) and composted urban
plant debris (CUPD) may be
beneficial to citrus by reducing
the incidence of root infection,
stimulating growth of young
trees, and increasing yield and
fruit size in Central Florida citrus
groves.
The center of the citrus
industry is within a 100 -mile
radius of a densely populated
area of the state, where more
than 7 million people produce 5
kg of solid waste per person per
day, one that holds the potential
for providing the citrus industry
with low-cost compost.
Potential Uses of Compost
in Citrus Groves
In citrus nurseries and groves,
Phyiophthora nicotianae Breda de
Haan (synonym = P. parasitica
Dastur) is often an endemic root
pathogen that causes girdling of
32CCi-n?03T USE IN FLORIDA
the trunk as a result of bark
infection, and slow decline in
canopy vigor and fruit production !
as a result of rotting of fibrous
roots (Graham and Timmer,
1992). Applications of fungicides !
control fungal infection of bark
and roots and increase fibrous
root density (Timmer et at.,
1989). Although fungicides sup-
press the pathogens, which leads
to increased yields and fruit size
of orange and grapefivit trees on
Phytophthora-susceptible root-
.stocks, yield response is often
variable. Therefore, fungicides are i
not recommended unless
populations of P. nicotianae exceed i
a threshold of 10 to 15 propagules
per cm3 of soil.
When fungicides are used,
they usually are applied to the soil
through the irrigation system two
to three times over several
seasons. However, soil -applied
pesticides are prone to loss of
efficacy after prolonged use and
since they are water soluble, have
the potential to leach into the
groundwater after excessive
irrigation or rainfall (Kookna et
al., 1995). Fungal resistance to
the metalaxyl has been found in
Florida nurseries, raising concerns
about the long-term usage of this
fungicide in citrus groves
(Timmer et al., 1998).
An alternative strategy to
J. H. GRAHAM
UNn'ERSITY OF FLoaUuA
Cmus RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENrER
LARE ALFRED, FioamA
fungicides for sustained control of
soil -borne diseases is to periodi-
cally apply composted organic
materials as amendments to
suppress fungal root pathogens.
Composted bark, when incorpo-
rated into potting media, sup-
presses soil -borne diseases of
ornamental plants (Hoitink and
Grebus, 1994). In Australian
avocado groves, root rot caused
by P. cinnamoml has been effec-
tively controlled by intensive
mulching with organic amend-
ments and applications of gyp-
sum (Broadbent and Baker, 1974).
In our studies of citrus,
composted waste from different
sources reduced the incidence of
root infection of citrus seedlings
through direct suppression of R
nicotianae in soil (Widmer et al.,
1998a). We conducted green-
house and field studies to
examine the potential for compost
to suppress Enicotianae and
improve root health.
Responses of Young Trees
to Composted Municipal
Waste
Three trials from 1991 to
1996 demonstrated that mulch
treatments of compost are highly
effective for growth stimulation of
young citrus trees in newly
established groves (Widmer et al.,
1996,1998b). Responses were seen
CHAPTER R: HOW COMPOST BENEFITS CITRUS CROPS
for soils typical of both the ridge
interface between the mulch and
(Eichelberger, 1994), so mulches
and flatwoods production areas.
the mineral soil, as was soil
did not increase nitrogen status of
While greenhouse bioassays i
temperature. The proposed major
the tree (Widmer et al., 1997).
predicted that compost might
benefit of CMSW and CUPD,
The mulches substantially
suppress the pathogen (Widmer et
increased soil water availability to
improved moisture -holding
al., 1998a), populations of P.
tree roots, will be further substan-
capacity of the soil, as demon-
nicotianae were either not affected
tiated by measures of soil and
stmted for compost applications
or even increased by compost.
plant water relations.
to other Florida crops in similar
Despite pathogen activity in
Responses of Bearing
soils (Obreza and Reeder, 1994;
compost -amended soils, the trees
Turner at al., 1994). Under more
performed nearly as well as those
Trees to Compost
favorable conditions for water
in noninfes[ed soils and signifi-
Composted municipal waste
uptake, apparently fewer roots
cantly better than those in
applied as 5- to 10 -cm thick
were required to take up water
nonamended soils. Stem diameter i
mulch layers increased the yield
and water mobile nutrients (e.g.
and root mass of young trees
and fruit size of Marsh grapefruit
nitrogen and potassium), bringing
increased 20-30% in response to
and fruit size of Valencia orange
about a 30% decrease in root
post -plant treatments with surface i
two and three years after applica-
density after compost application
mulches as well as incorporation
tion (Widmer et al., 1997). The
in well -drained sand soak soil.
treatments at planting. The
responses occurred in groves with
Hence, trees were able to produce
growth response is best explained €
marginal soils and ill -adapted
more and larger fruit instead of
by increased tolerance to the
rootstocks that were predisposed
supporting the high density of
disease rather than pathogen
to damaging populations of P.
roots required by a tree in the low
suppression. Tolerance is
nicotianae. The effect of compost
water- and nutrient- holding
attributed to improvement of
on root density was site-specific.
capacity sand.
conditions in the root zone for i
Compost increased root density of '
In finer textured, high pH
more efficient water and nutrient
the Valencia sweet orange trees
calcareous sand, where root
uptake.
on Carrizo citrange rootstock in a
density was 25-35% of that in the
Operationally, the CMSW
high pH, limestone -rich soil.
sandy soil, compost apparently
and CDPD is most effectively and ':,
However, compost decreased root
worsened the soil conditions
efficiently applied with a New
density of the Marsh grapefruit
(high calcium and somewhat
Holland 3000 side -discharge i
trees on sour orange rootstock in
alkaline pH) that normally limit
spreader as a 5- to 10 -cm thick i
a low organic matter sand soil ,'
performance of certain rootstocks
mulch layer within the tree now to i
(depressional sand soak). The
like Carrizo citrange (Castle et al.,
cover about 80% of the root i
roots in the organic mulch layer
1993). Although the mulch layer
system. Although the application
Fere usually lighter in color and i
provided a favorable site for root
rates are quite high, ranging from
healthier in appearance than
growth in calcareous soil, yield of
150-170 metric tons per hectare,
those in the mineral soil below.
trees was not increased even after
the mulch lasts up to 2 years
The mulch layer provided a zone
3 years,
before reapplication is necessary.
of favorable conditions for growth i
Thus, as for young trees, the
Reduction of mulch layers to 2-5
and function of fibrous roots.
principal effect of the compost
cm thick decreased the tree
The increase in yield of trees
was improvement of soil water -
response and may reauire yearly
in very sandy, slightly acid soils
holding rapacity. This condition
re-application to be effective.
versus the non -response in i
enhanced pathogen reproduction
Current trials are designed to
calcareous, alkaline soils may be
in the mulches because P.
establish the optimum rate of
related to the root density effect
nicotianae was favored by high soil
CMSW and CUPD and the
of compost at the different sites.
moisture (Duncan at al., 1993).
mechanism for the growth
Trees in the very well drained
However, compost appeared to
enhancement of young citrus in
sand soak soil treated with
increase tolerance to
low organic matter sandy soils.
i CMSW were more densely
Phytophthom root rot. The
Young trees received
foliated and showed little sign of
benefits of compost for increasing
adequate fertilizer and scheduled
water stress compared to the
water and nutrient availability in
irrigation so compost did not
stressed, nontreated trees. CMSW
.soils low in organic matter
substantially increase their
and CUPD have slow mineralize-
enhanced root health and uptake
nutrient status. Soil water -holding
tion rates, due to their moderate
efficiency, and thereby reduced
capacity was elevated at the
to high carbon -to -nitrogen ratios
the impact of fibrous root disease
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 33
CHAFFER 9: HOW COMPOST BENEFITS CITRUS CROPS
Observations of Cumposted Municipal
recently been initiated. A
grower/cooperator conducted a
Wastes on Florida Citrus
preliminary trial with CUPD in
Anvxew S. Foca
1996 and reported that the mater-
sux-1GY AUtm SourtrEEery FA.nnts
ial was very fibrous, containing
LAZE Pt'"CM''OEJ]D"
palm branch wastes and other
Sum -Ray and Southern farms are citrus grove operations of
coarse woody residuals that made
spreading difficult. The CUPD
9,000 acres in Highlands County, Florida. During the past five
material also may have been high
years, composted wastes have been applied to "sand soak"
in salts. Thus far, residual salts in
areas — sandy soils low in organic matter and pour exchange
the Bedminster CMSW have not
capacity. The following are some of the observations from these
been a problem for citrus, due to
applications, •
the very sandy soils that facilitate
rapid leaching of salts and to the
Timing
long term nature of the response
These materials are best applied during a period with
on perennial citrus trees (at least
frequent rainfall. The summer period, particularly the month of
one year to detect growth
August, is best. When cumpust is applied during a wet all
responses). The CUPD material
far better result is acquired,
spread in 1997 did not share the
problems experienced with the
1996 material, but this points out
We have applied municipal wastes composted with biosolids,
the need for compost to be consis-
urban plant debris campusted with biusulids, wuud mulch
tent in quality through time if
composted with biusulids, and various forms of composted
they are to be used commercially.
chicken manure. The campusted wood mulch with biosolids
Another major limitation to
proved to be the must consistent, and the tree response was
proceeding with further trials is
lunger lasting. Chicken manure proved to be a good short term
the availability of a commercial
green -up to carry the trees through stress.
applicator with the New Holland
or equivalent spreader in south -
Placement
central Florida. Two cooperators
Applications in the tree row seem to give better response than
representing about 25,000 acres of
applications trunk to trunk across the bed, The tree row
commercial grove land are at
application should be at a rate of at least two tans per acre.
present unable to use compost
because they are unwilling to
Economics i
purchase a spreader, given the
A consistent cumpust product is required to enable an
high capital cost (approximately
efficient application. Suffteient benefit can be achieved if the
$10,000-14,000) and the uncertain
compost product can be applied under the tree for less than $30
availability of high quality
per ton.
compost. Nevertheless, our results
'
have stimulated their interest in
further trials of local compost
and probably other soil stresses (approx. 90%) with waste water
sources, especially in sandy soils
as well. residuals (10%) from Sevierville,
with low organic matter.
Tennessee, supplied by
Our current evaluation of the
Current Status Of Bedminster Bioconversion. Co-
benefits of compost used as
Research on Citrus composted CMW has a favorable
mulches focuses on both young
Some limitations in the use of carbon -to -nitrogen ratio (19: 1)
and old groves in sand soak soils,
compost have been encountered. and slow rate of N mineralization
where citrus trees have not
Foremost is the availability of a (Eichelberger 1994), so nitrogen
responded to extra water and
high quality source of compost leaching is not a concern.
nutrient inputs and, thus,
near the citrus industry that can i The local CMSW (Reuter)
probably are not manageable
be supplied with minimal delivery i tested in the early 199Os is no
without soil amendments.
cost. Most of the research has longer available because the plant
Reduced rates of compost
been conducted with a co- shut down. Evaluation of CUPD
produced by local municipalities
composted municipal solid waste from another source has only
in close proximity to the citrus
34comPosT USE IN FLORIDA
CINPTER 9: HOW COMPOST BENEFITS CITRUS CROPS
Ram 9•1. Composted municipal waste increased growth of young Orlando Tangelo trees
on Cleopatra mandarin rootstock 17'% (trees on right) compared to nontreated controls
(trees on left) 2.75 years after application to a typical ridge soil (Candler fine sand) of the
Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred.
Fl9um 9.2. Composted municipal waste (CMU9 is applied to hewing citrus trees with a
New Holland 8000 side4scharge spreader as a 5dOcm thick mulch layer within the
row to cover about 80% of the root system. The mte at this location ranges from
150-170 metric tans per hectare of treated soil area
industry are now under evalua-
don to further quantify the
benefits and costs of compost
applications. Although the
responses are positive, it is
i unlikely that the horticultural
benefits will offset the high cost
of production and transport of
€ compost. However, if landfill
space becomes a problem in the
future, the cost of production and
transport of compost eventually
may be home by the municipali-
ties. For example, Los Angeles
County now pays citrus growers
to accept urban plant debris for
use in their citrus groves (J. A.
Menge, University of California,
Riverside, personal
communication). 0
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 35
PART 3: AGRICULTURAL USES FOR COMPOST IN FLORIDA/CHAPTER 10
Growing Field Crops
with Compost
The use of urban plant debris compost can increase crop
yield and decreaseforage costproduction.
n Florida, tropical corn is
better adapted to local soils
than conventional corn
varieties usually developed for the
midwest. Tropical com acreage in
the southern United States
increased from about 1,500 acres
in 1985 to approximately 45,000
acres in 1991. Recent estimates
indicate a potential of 150,000 to
200,000 acres of tropical com
with the primary use as a late
season planted silage crop.
Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L.
(Moench)] is another valuable
silage crop that is adapted to late
sowing conditions. In Florida,
about 18% of the 142,000 acres of
full -season com and 5% of the
42,000 acres of double -crop com
is grown with conservation tillage
management. A significant
acreage of soybean (Glycine max
L. Men.), cotton (Gossypiurn
hirsutum L.), small grains, forages
and other crops, such as
vegetables, peanut (Arachis
hypogaea L.), tobacco (Nicotiarm
tabacum L.), etc., are also grown
on Florida's infertile and highly
leachable sandy soils.
Land on which these crops
are grown offers an opportunity
to recycle urban plant debris
(UPD, also known as yard waste)
in a safe and effective manner,
while at the same time increasing
crop yield and decreasing cost of
36COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
production. Mulching and addi-
tion of organic material also may
increase the tolerance of plants to
nematode damage.
Impact of UPD Compost on
Soil Properties
Large applications of UPD
can have a major impact on
improvement in soil quality, often
associated with a positive crop
response.
Soil nutrients. The UPD
used in one study had a carbon -
to -nitrogen ratio of approximately
35: 1 (Gallaher and McSorley,
1995a). In order to alleviate nitro-
gen -rob (N -rob) of crops, the
compost needs to be incorporated
into the soil a minimum of 3.5 to
4 months before planting to allow
equilibration to occur (D.A.
Gmetz, Soil and Water Science
Department, University of
Florida, personal communica-
tion). Nitrogen -rob does not
appear to be a major problem
when the UPD is used as a mulch
and the required addition of
nitrogen fertilizer is placed below
the mulch (Gallaher and
McSorley, 1995a).
The cumulative applications
of UPD totaled 360, 300, and 240
tonstacre for some treatments
depending on the experiment
during a 3 -year period. Soil
organic matter more than doubled
R.N. GALLAHER
DEPARTHENT OF AGSONow
UNIVE95nY of FYoamA
GAINESVILLE, Ror3w
in some treatments over a 3 -year
period. Significant increases were
also measured in soil pH,
extractable plant nutrients, cation -
exchange capacity and water -
holding capacity. Tests are now
underway to determine if a
reduction in the costly input of
fertilizers and lime may be offset
by the addition of compost.
Soil water storage. UPD
compost applied as a mulch
resulted in the greatest amount of
soil water storage in the top 2 feet
of soil in three Florida UPD-
treated com experiments. In one
experiment, the UPD mulch treat-
ment had 2.3 l acre -inches more
water stored in the top 2 feet than
the control. The estimated value
of this soil water storage over the
control ranged from $23.92/acre
to $41.46/acre, depending on the
type of irrigation that would be
required to apply the same
amount of water. Use of UPD as
a mulch conserved 6 to 10% more
soil water than the same amount
of UPD incorporated, and 40% to
75% more stored soil water
compared to no UPD (Gallaher
and McSorley, 1994).
Long-term effects. All of the
soil properties, including organic
matter, nitrogen, and cation -
exchange capacity, were dramati-
cally increased from application
of UPD, the magnitude of which
CHAPTER 10: GROWING FIELD CROPS WITH COMPOST
was highly correlated with the
There is evidence that the addi-
conventional tillage versus no -
amount of UPD applied. Organic
tion of certain organic Com-
tillage after soil properties have
matter reached a peak in the third
pounds may stimulate fungal par-
been enhanced from use of UPD.
year after UPD application and
asites of nematodes (Rodriguez-
From this same study, it was
seemed to be maintained for the
Kabana, 1991). However, the
concluded that the main benefit
next two years at the highest i
most important effect of organic ;
of UPD against nematodes did
UPD rates. Soil nitrogen
amendments on plant -parasitic
not appear to be reduction of
appeared to peak one year after
nematodes may be the reduction
nematode populations, but
the last application of large i
of populations from toxic byprod-
improved growth and tolerance of
amounts of UPD. Extractable
ucts of decomposition. Ammonia
host plants in nematode -infested
nutrients were also increased by
and urea were shown to suppress
sites. Sweet corn yields were
application of UPD (data not
several nematode species in tests,
equal for UPD treatments both
shown). Data seemed to fluctuate
and the decomposition of some
conventional tillage -incorporate
somewhat for phosphorus,
forms of organic nitrogen Can
and no -tillage -mulch, and both
perhaps as a result of more than
release byproducts which are i
gave yields superior to the Ion-
one mechanism, such as farmer
toxic to nematodes (Rodriguez-
ventional tillage control without
fertilization, soil fixation versus
Kabana, 1986). The most effective i
UPD (Gallaher and McSorley,
extractable, and crop uptake. It is
of these amendments are those
19956).
clear that large quantities of
with low carbon -to -nitrogen ratios
phosphorus was applied in UPD.
that can release ammonia into the
Response of Corn to
Extractable potassium peaked
soil (Rodriguez-Kabana, 1986). j
UPD Compost
the year of the last application of
Regardless of the mechanism !
There was a consistent trend
UPD then declined. This may be
involved, the addition of organic
for Com forage yields to increase
consistent with what would be
amendments may serve to allevi- i
as the cumulative total UPD
expected, since large quantities of
ate some of the adverse effects on
application rate increased. A high
potassium are taken up by a corn i
crop growth caused by plant-
correlation was found between
crop, potassium is highly leach-
parasitic nematodes. Of the
Com forage yield (Table 10-1) and
able in a sandy soil, and it is ';
plant -parasitic nematodes found
all of the soil property variables
somewhat replaceable on
at some UPD Florida field cam i
presented. These data also show
exchange sites even though, in ?
research sites, Paratrichodoms 1
that the effects of UPD applica-
this case, the cation -exchange
minor was significantly decreased 1
tion, at the high rates used in
capacity had increased.
from application of UPD
these studies, had a long-term
Extractable calcium and
(McSorley and Gallaher, 1996).
benefit on soil quality and crop
magnesium appeared to peak and
Other nematodes, such as
yield, extending well beyond the
be maintained, or in the case of
Meloidogyne incognita, were not
last year of UPD application
calcium, may have even increased
consistently affected by compost
(1994). It has not yet been deter -
after the last year of UPD 1
applications. Effects of the high !
mined how long these benefits
applications. i
carbon -to -nitrogen -ratio compos[
will persist.
The cation -exchange capacity
on these agricultural sites may I
Increased corn forage yields
seemed to peak one year after the
provide beneficial effects only
from use of UPD ranged from 2.5
last application of large amounts
after several years of UPD
ton/acre to 6 ton/acre, valued at
of UPD. Continued soil analyses
application.
34/ton (based on 30% dry
of these plots in future years
In another study, transplanted i
matter), depending upon the
would be useful in determining
seedlings of squash (Cucur6ita
experiment. Increased yield was
the duration of the impact that
pepo) and okra (Hibiscus escalenhls)
positively correlated with the
UPD has on continuing changes
and the use of conventional
increased soil organic matter,
in soil variables.
tillage incorporated UPD
improved soil fertility conditions,
appeared to result in best yields
and greatly increased soil water
Compost Effects On
(Gallaher and McSorley, 1995b).
storage capacity. Mulched
Nematodes i
These results were based on limit-
no -tillage UPD treatments
The increased nutrient levels
ed data and a limited time for soil
consistently had greater amounts
and water -holding capacity of
properties to be impacted by
of stored soil water compared to
soils amended with compost may
compost and to translate into
the conventional tillage -
increase plant tolerance to nema-
crop response. Totally different
incorporated UPD treatments
tode damage (Watson, 1945).
results may be found between
(Gallaher and McSorley, 1994).
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 37
CHAPTER 10: GROWING FIELD CROPS WITH COMPOST
25 0 ton YWC/a
23
3
0
1993 1999 1995 1996 1997
YEAR
Tame 10-E Compost Use and Corn Silage Yield. Cornsilage yield from use of yard waste
compost (YLPC) on Haufler Farm, Gainesville, Florida (values of YWC are in ton /acre
cumulative from. applications in 1992, 7993 and 1994.
In California, test blocks showed
that when the organic matter level
is raised through large scale
addition of organic amendments,
impressive changes take place
(Woolley, 1995). When the
organic matter is doubled to 4%,
there is a four- to five -fold
increase in water retention,
resulting in a 10% to 25%
reduction in irrigation required
in a normal min year. Further
research is required to determine
what periodic level of re -treat-
ment with compost will sustain
these benefits.
Economics of Composting
In 1989, Florida produced an
average of 16 tons per acre corn
silage on nearly 20,000 acres of
corn silage harvested. Economic
benefits from reduction of
fertilizer inputs and increased
water conservation to coon silage
alone could amount to $200 per
acre. For example, depending on
the nutrient concentrations and
ratios in composted waste
materials, a typical net return of
3p COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
$322 per acre (30 tons silage per
year) from double -cropped cont
for silage was reported by
Gallaher et al. (1991).
If nutrients from biodegrad-
able solid waste were used instead
of fertilizer to replenish soil
nutrients removed by the conn
silage crops, the net return would
increase to $536 per acre, a net
$2 14 per acre increase. If UPD
provided these nutrients on 5,000
acres of double -cropped corn
silage, a fertilizer savings of over
$1,000,000 would be realized the
first year alone.
These savings were calculated
based on the assumption that,
because of societal benefits,
municipalities wish to recycle
biodegradable solid waste on
farmland and, therefore, there
would be no cost to the farmer for
materials, hauling and spreading.
Purchase and transportation costs
might result in no financial
advantage to the farmer for
disposal of or use of UPD on
sandy soil farmland, even though
soil properties and corn forage
yields increased. If the cost of
UPD and its transport to the field
were to be as much as $2/ton,
then the advantages of the UPD
essentially disappear, and cost
would exceed the price of silage
at the fanners storage pit
(Hildebrand et al., 1997). The
challenge for future researchers
and policy -makers is to balance
societal and economic benefits.
PART 3: AGRICULTURAL USES FOR COMPOST IN FLORIDAICHAPTER 11
Use of Composts on Florida's
Vegetable Crops
When used with care, compost can give Florida's vegetable
crops a boost
lorida is a major vegetable -
producing state, with 418,000
acres under cultivation each
year (Florida Agricultural
Statistics Services, 1997). Sandy
soils used to grow Florida
vegetables have low native
fertility, so they require relatively
high fertilizer inputs. However,
minimizing fertilizer leaching or
runoff has become important as a
result of potential negative
environmental impacts. If water
and fertilizer conservation could
be increased, grower input costs
and negative environmental
effects could potentially decrease.
In recent years, composts
produced from a wide range of
waste materials have become
available in Florida on a large
scale (Smith, 1995). While
environmental regulators are
mainly concerned about trace
metal concentrations in compost,
growers have different interests
once compost has passed
regulatory health and safety
standards (Ozores-Hampton et
al., 1998a). From a commercial
vegetable grower's point of view,
compost quality is judged by its
moisture and nutrient
concentration, pH, soluble salts,
organic matter concentration,
carbon -to -nitrogen (C:N) ratio,
water -holding capacity, bulk
density, cation -exchange capacity,
MONICA P. Ozones-HAnmroN AND THoNr s A. 0IUU2A
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA/INSTrfUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
SOUTHWEST FrmuHA RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER
IAMOm EE, FLORIDA
particle size, presence of weed
seeds, and odor (Ozores-
Hampton, et al. 1998a).
Pros and Cons of Applying
Compost to Vegetable
Crops
When compost is incor-
porated into soil, observed
benefits to crop production have
been attributed to improved soil
physical properties. Compost
usually contains large quantities
of plant -available micronutrients
(Ozores-Hampton or al., 1998a).
However, soil improvements are
mainly attributed to increased
organic matter concentration
rather than increased nutrient
availability. (Gallardo-Lara and
Nogales, 1987). Significant
quantities of nutrients
(particularly nitrogen, phos-
phors, and micron rients)
become bioavailable with time as
compost decomposes in the soil.
Amending soil with compost
provides a slow-release source of
nutrients, as opposed to mineral
fertilizer, which is usually water-
soluble and is immediately
available to plants.
Crop injury has been linked
to use of poor -quality compost,
such as that from early stages of
the composting process (Zucconi
et al., 1998a). The type and
degree of plant injury is directly
related to compost maturity and
soluble salt content. Optimum
chemical and physical parameters
for composts that might be used
in vegetable crop production are
listed in Table 1 1-1.
In Florida, soil application of
immature compost consistently
resulted in "N -immobilization,"
where available forms of
inorganic N were converted to
unavailable organic N followed
' by growth inhibition of vegetable
crops such as beans, com,
peppers, tomatoes, and squash
(Kostewicz, 1993; Gallaher and
McSorley, 1994; Bryan et al.,
1995). When immature compost
is applied and a crop is planted
immediately, growth inhibition
and stunting may he visible for 40
to 60 days. When using compost
with C:N ratios higher than 25 or
30, N fertilizer should be applied,
or planting delayed for 6 to 10
weeks to allow the compost to
stabilize in the soil (Obreza and
Reeder, 1994).
Research on vegetable
compost utilization in Florida
has established several potential
applications: soil amendments,
soil -borne disease suppression,
biological weed control,
alternative to polyethylene mulch,
and as a transplant media.
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA SO
CHAPTER 11: USE OF COMPOSTS ON FLORIDA'S VEGETABLE CROPS
TABLE 11.1
Physical properties of compost used in vegetable production'.
Physical Properties
Optimal Range
Effect
Moisture (%)
35-55
Higher moisture, increased handling/transportation costs
Organic [natter (%)
50 or more - _
Higbei organic matter lowers application rate
PH
5.0-8.0
In acidic soil, alkaline compost will raise pH
Water holding capacity (WHC) ('A)
.20-60 - -
Efiliber WHCia& to lower uigarfon frepency
Soluble salts (dS-m i)
less than 6.0
Higher than 6.0 means potential toxicity
Bulk density (lb/cu yd fresh weight) :
.5004000
Higher moisture convent meaas a greater bulk density
Particle size
Passes I inch screen
Increase soil porosity
-.15-25:1
H*aC:Nratiomum "N-immobt7vation"
Maturity (G.I.')
Over 60
GI lower than 60 indicates phytotoxicity
.Corp stability... -...
Stable
Lrstab[L'iy can cause"N-hamob[7ization"
Weed seeds
None
Uncomposted materials disseminate weeds
Z FDACS, 1995.
°G.I= (% seed germination x root length growth in %of control)/ 100.
Compost as a Soil
Amendment
Amending Florida soils with
composted materials such as
biosolids, MSW, and urban plant
debris (UPD) has been reported
to increase crop yields of bean,
black-eyed pea, okra, tomato,
squash, eggplant and bean, water-
melon and tomato, corn, and bell
pepper (Bryan and Lance, 1991;
Ozones -Hampton and Bryan
1993a, 1993b; Ozores-Hampton
et al., 1994b; Obreza and Reeder,
1994; Gallaher and McSorley,
1994). In calcareous soil,
application rates of biosolids
compost as low as 3 to 6
tons/acre resulted in crop yield
increases for tomatoes, squash,
and beans (Bryan and Lance,
199 1; Ozores-Hampton et al.,
1994b). In sandy and calcareous
soil, MSW compost application
rates of 40 tons/acre resulted in
crop yield increases for bean
(Obreza and Reeder, 1994).
(Figure 1 1- 1) Contradictory crop
response results were found when
a compost with low nutrient
content was compared to a
traditional fertilizer program.
However, combining such
compost and inorganic fertilizer
has generally been more effective
in producing a positive plant
4000MPOST USE IN FLORIDA
response than separate applica-
tion of either material alone.
One concern of using
biosolids or MSW -based
composts is the possible presence
of unwanted elements in the
compost and their uptake by
crops. Compost that does not
meet EPA 503 standards for
metals concentration in biosolids
cannot be marketed and is thus
unavailable to be applied to
agricultural land. Research in
Florida on tomatoes and squash
grown on calcareous soil where
biosolids, MSW, and co -
composted biosolids-MS W that
met the 503 standards were
applied showed no trace metal
accumulation in the edible plant
parts (Ozores-Hampton et al.,
1994b and 1997).
If all of Florida's organic
fraction of solid waste was
converted to compost, it could
easily be assimilated by the
Florida vegetable industry. If only
20 tons/acre of compost (fresh
weight) were applied to each of
the 418,000 acres of vegetables
annually grown in Florida, 8.4
million tons of compost could be
recycled each year (Smith, 1994).
The actual rate and frequency of
compost use should be deter-
mined by compost properties such
as nutrient concentration or N
mineralization rate, and soil
physical and chemical properties.
Soil -borne Disease
Suppression
The colonization of compost
by beneficial microorganisms
during the latter stages of
composting appears to be
responsible for inducing disease
suppression. Compost does not
kill the pathogens that cause
disease as fungicides do. Instead,
compost controls the pathogens
by keeping the beneficial micro-
organisms active and growing.
Therefore, pathogenic agents
either will not germinate or will
remain inactive (Ozores-Hampton
et al., 1994a).
In Florida, few experiments
in vegetable crop production
under field conditions have
investigated the use of compost
in controlling soil -borne.
pathogens. Municipal solid waste
(MSW) was incorporated into
calcareous soil in Dade County at
36 and 72 tons/acre and
compared to an untreated control
(Ozores-Hampton, et al., 1994a).
A two -crop rotation of bush
beans and southern peas were
seeded. Bean emergence and yield
were improved by 25% in the
CHAPTER 11: USE OF COMPOSTS ON FLORIDA'S VEGETABLE CROPS
compost treatment compared to
the untreated control. Ashy stem
blight of bean caused by
Macrophoutiota phasolhta was
severe in areas with no compost
application, but was almost
completely eliminated where
MSW compost had been applied
(Figure 1 1-2). MSW compost
reduced the damage by
Rhizoctouia root rot in southern
pea considerably compared with
the untreated control. In the areas
with no compost application,
severe infections caused plant
stunting and premature death,
with significant yield reduction.
Biological Weed Control
Weed growth suppression is
an important attribute of surface -
applied mulch. An organic mulch
suppresses weeds by its physical
presence as a surface cover, or by
the action of phytotoxic com-
pounds contained in it (Ozores-
i Hampton et al., 1998b). Weed
seed germination inhibition by
burial under mulch is due to the
i lack of growth -promoting factors
such as light, temperature, or
moisture. Chemical effects of
phytotoxic compounds (volatile
fatty acids and/or ammonia) in
compost can decrease weed seed
germination. In Florida, a water
extract of 3 -week-old UPD and
i immature MSW compost
i decreased germination of several
perennial and annual weeds in
i petri dishes (Shiralipour et al.,
1991). Under field conditions,
application of immature 4 -week-
old MSW compost at 3 inches (45
i ton/acre) or greater thickness
completely inhibited weed
germination and growth for 240
days after treatment in vegetable
i crop mw middles. Inhibition of
germination or subsequent weed
growth may be attributed to both
the physical effect of the mulch
and the presence of phytotoxic
i compounds (fatty acids) in the
immature compost (Ozores-
Figure 11-2: MS W compost
application rales of 72 tons/acre
ftnomady eliminated ashy stem
blight, Compared with the no compost
application (back) on bush beans.
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 41
CI11rrER 11: USE OF COMPOSTS ON FLORIDA'S VEGETABLE CROPS
Checklist for Compost
Utilization on Vegetable Crops
1. Use of immature compost can cause detrnnemad effects on plant
growth. H&h C:N ratio compost can result in N -immobilization if it is
below 25:1 to 30:1. We recommend assaying compost for the presence of
phytotoxic compounds using a cress seedgenrmurlion test. In this test, a
compost sample is saturated with water, and the extract is squeezed from
the sample. A portion of the extract is used to moisten filterpaper in a
petri dish, on which mess see& are placed and allowed to stout fur 24
hours. The germination index (GI) is measured as GI = ((% cress seed
germination x root length in % of the coutrol)100). If GI is less than
60, allow about 90 days between the time of compost application and
planting of the crop,., apply nitrogen fertilizer. For example, if cress
germination and root length on compost was 40% and 1 inch, and the
control 80% and 2 inches, respectively, therefore we obtained a 50% cress
seed germination and 50 % root length as % of the control Thus, the
GI = 25, indicating immature compost. An alternative measure is to
continue contrposting the material to maturity before it is applied.
2. Most vegetable crops are sensitive to high soluble salts, especially
when they are direct -seeded We recommend measuring the soluble salts
concentration of a saturation extract. If the electrical conductivity (EC)
is below 6.0 dS/tn, no salt toxicity should occur. If the EC is above 6.0
DIS/in, the amended soil should be leached by rain or irrigation with
water before planting seeds (only a few crops can tolerate this salt Level).
3. Lack of equipment to spread cn tpust in vegetable fields is a concent.
We encourage nnnpust facilities to play au active role in developing
spreading equipment.
Source. Ozores-Hampton et at., 1998a.
Hampton et al., 1998a). Similar
weed reduction was obtained with i
mature MSW compost (100
tons/acre) in row middles of bell
pepper compared with an
untreated control, but herbicide
provided improved weed control
over mature compost (Roe et al.,
1993b).
Alternative to Polyethylene
Mulch
Polyethylene mulch regulates i
soil temperature and moisture,
reduces weed seed germination .
and leaching of inorganic
fertilizer, and is a barrier for soil
fumigants. Removal and disposal i
of polyethylene mulch has been a
42COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
major production cost to Florida
growers. Therefore, utilization of
composted waste materials in
combination with living mulches
in a bell pepper production
system was investigated (Roe et
al., 1992, and 1993a). Traditional
raised beds were covered with
polyethylene mulch, MSW, wood
chips, or biosolids-UPD co -
compost (100 tons/acre), and bed
sides were either planted with a
St. Augustine grass living mulch
or not planted. Bell pepper yields
were higher on compost mulch
plots than on unmulched plots but
lower than on polyethylene -
mulched beds.
Compost as a Transplant
Medium
The vegetable transplant
industry relies on peat moss as a
major ingredient in soilless media
(Vavrina and Summerhill, 1992).
Peat is an expensive, non-
renewable resource. In Florida,
alternative soilless media has been
investigated to grow tomato,
cucumber, bell pepper, and citrus
seedlings (Vavrina, 1994; Roe and
Kostewicz, 1992); Stoffela et al.,
1996). Seed emergence and
seedling growth was similar to
traditional peat: vermiculite media
when peat was partially replaced
with compost. Negative growth
effects were reported when the
medium was 100% compost,
especially when immature,
unstable compost was used or the
compost did not have adequate
fiber content to assure a desirable
bulk density. O
PART 3: AGRICULTURAL USES FOR COMPOST IN FLORIDAICHAPTER 12
Compost Uses for the
landscape and Nursery
Industries
High quality compost frequently compares favorably with GEORGE E. nn ATRiCR ARD
peat as a growing medium for Florida's nursery and DENNIS B. MCCONNELL
landscape !ants. ENVIRON ICENTAL HoancocT DEPARTN6NT
P P U?aVERSMorFLORmA
GAues u, Fy.OMA
Of all the different agricul-
tural uses for compost
products, use as a growing
medium component in orna-
mental crop production frequently
receives high priority because of
the relatively high value of
nursery and greenhouse crops and
the continual cultural requirement
for organic matter for rooting
substrates (Slivka et at., 1992;
Tyler, 1993; Tyler, 1996). Every
time a container plant is sold, the
rooting substrate is sold with it,
necessitating the need for new
potting mixtures to start new crop
production cycles.
The attractiveness of
ornamental crops as outlets for
compost product marketing does
not come without cost, however.
Since the plant's root system is in
direct and continual contact with
the compost product, any con-
cerns regarding compost quality
are most acute with container
crops. Plant producers must keep
in mind that the way compost
products should be used is not
necessarily the same way that nat-
ural humus products, such as
peat, are used.
Using Compost for
Ornamental Crop
Production
Compost materials have been
used successfully to grow a wide
spectrum of nursery crops, from
flowering annuals (Wootton et al.,
1982) to container -grown tropical
trees (Fitzpatrick, 1985). In a
demonstration project conducted
in 1979-1980 at a commercial
nursery in southern Florida, a
number of container -grown
ornamental species grew to
marketable size significantly faster
than plants grown in a growing
medium composed of 6 peat: 4
sawdust: 1 sand, by volume
(Fitzpatrick, 198 1). One of the
species tested, dwarf oleander
Nerium oleander, grown in 10 -inch
diameter containers for 5 months,
averaged approximately 1.25
times larger when grown in the
compost mixture as compared to
the control (Figure 12-1).
Moreover, compost products have
been successfully used in field
nurseries as soil amendments to
increase productivity in various
tree species (Gouin, 1977 —
Gouin and Walker, 1977).
Numerous other research
studies and reviews have been
published on how compost
products can be used to improve
production of nursery crops.
Sanderson (1979) reviewed a large
number of published studies and
reported significant increases in
productivity across a wide variety
of nursery crops. More recently,
Shiralipour et al. (1992a)
reviewed published studies on
compost use in a wide variety of
crops, including nursery crops,
and reported significant increases
in crop productivity.
Unlike other applications of
compost in agriculture, the stand-
alone container medium category
requires the highest quality of
compost. One example of the
influence of compost quality on
compost performance as a
component in a horticultural
growing medium is the level of
total salts in the substrate. The
level of soluble salts in composts
made from sludges stabilized with
ferric chloride and lime may be
considerably higher than in
compost made from sludge that
has been stabilized using a wet -air
oxidation process. One study
compared the use of these two
types of sludges for growing the
non -salt tolerant container crops
Spathiphyllum Mauna Loa and
Schefflera arboricola. The plants
grown in the compost with higher
soluble salt levels were signifi-
cantly smaller than plants grown
in composts with lower soluble
salts. However, both compost
products resulted in plants that
were significantly larger than
plants grown in a control medium
consisting of 40% peat, 50% pine
bark and 10% sand (Fitzpatrick,
1986).
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 43
CHAPTER 12: COMPOST USES FOR THE LANDSCAPE AND NURSERY INDUSTRIES
Growers also should be aware provide all of an ornamental
that while many compost i crop's requirement. For example,
products contain significant levels in one study in which tropical
of certain plant nutrients, they i trees were grown in containers,
rarely contain these nutrients in the compost products did not
sufficient concentrations to provide sufficient nutrients when
44COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
used without fertilization,
especially in fast growing trees
such as schefflem (Brassaia
actinophylla) and West Indian
mahogany (Swietienia mabagoni)
(Figure 12-2) (Fitzpatrick, 1985).
In this same study, slower
growing trees, such as pink
tabebuia (Tabebuia pallida) and
-
;pigeon -plum (Coccoloba
"-
diaersifolia), grown in biosolids
compost and irrigated with
secondary treated sewage effluent,
grew at rates that were not
': significantly different from rates
observed in trees grown in a peat,
• '�"
pine bark and sand medium
s
fertilized at normal nursery crop
Figure 12-1. Dwarf oleanders (Nerium oleander) grown in 1 0 -inch diameter containers
i levels. Apparently, the levels of
for 5 months in a trial conducted at a commercial nursery averaged 1.25 times larger
nitrogen (N) in the effluent
than plants grmvn in a control growing medium comprised of the numnj s standard
(average 6.8 mg/L, SD=5.8) were
mix of 6 pent:4 sawdusfa sand, by volume (Fitzpatrick, 1987).
sufficient to augment nutrients
provided by the compost medium
i in the slower growing trees, but
not in the faster growing species.
.
Expanding Horizons
Careful attention to growing
€ medium characteristics can allow
i faster and more economical
production of ornamental crops.
Since nursery crops have a
recurring need for a growing
medium as each growing cycle is
completed, compost marketers
i have the opportunity to develop
products that can be very
i attractive to ornamental plant
growers. Provided the compost
products are made with emphasis
Figure 72.2. West Indian mahogany Swietenia mahagoni grown in compost alone with
on quality, it is likely that use of
no fertilization and irrigated with well water (second from right) did not achieve growth
compost materials will continue
comparable to trees grown in a peat, pine bark and sand medium fertilized at normal
! to expand in nursery crop
nursery crop rates (control (fightO. Trees grown in compost medium with no fertilization and
!production.
irrigated with sewage effluent (secondfiom left) grew larger thin trees grmun in peat, pine
bark and sand medium, with no fertilization and irrigated with secondary effluent. Compost
medium did not supply sufficient nutrients in fast growing tress such as nwlwgany and sdief-
flem. In slower growing trees, the compost and effluent supported growth rates comparable to
the rates observed in the control (Fitzpatrick, 7985).
Growers also should be aware provide all of an ornamental
that while many compost i crop's requirement. For example,
products contain significant levels in one study in which tropical
of certain plant nutrients, they i trees were grown in containers,
rarely contain these nutrients in the compost products did not
sufficient concentrations to provide sufficient nutrients when
44COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
PART 3: AGRICULTURAL USES FOR COMPOST IN FLORIDA/CHAPTER 13
Use of Compost on
Turfgrasses
Compost may help build better tuitrasses on some
148,888acres ofgolf courses in Florida.
here are more than 5 million
homes with turfgrass lawns
in Florida, and more than
1,300 golf courses, an increase of
more than 15 percent since 1994,
The average Florida golf course is
114 acres in size. Thus, more than
148,000 acres in Florida are dedi-
cated to golf courses. Golf course
maintenance expenditures average
$3,585 per acre annually. Money
generally is available and will be
spent by golf courses for mainte-
nance practices that are proven to
be beneficial.
Beneficial Effects of
Composts on Turfgrasses
in Florida
Numerous articles recently
have discussed the potential use
of compost on golf courses. Most
of these focus on using compost
for topdressing, and some discuss
the use of golf course -generated
organic waste as compost feed-
stock. However, there is little doc-
umentation of actual compost use
on golf courses, other than as
mulch around ornamental plant-
ings. The use of compost as a soil
amendment during golf course
construction is rarely discussed.
Because of a lack of scientific
studies aimed specifically at utiliz-
ing compost in golf courses in
Florida, discussions on the subject
will be based upon inferences
JOHN L. CIsAR
UmvEREm OF FLORIDA
FORT LADUEEDA E RESEARCH ANO EDUCATION CENTER
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
A.No
GEORGE A. SNYDER
UNtvERe[TY Or F ORUDA
EVEROLADEE REREARCH AHO EDUCATION CENTER
BE= GLIDE, FwmA
from uses of composts in other
turfgrass situations and from
other regions. Detailed, specific,
proven recommendations for
compost use on golf courses in
Florida cannot be given at this
time.
Of the research that has been
conducted on golf courses in
Florida, most has related to using
compost as a soil amendment to
improve the native sand soils
which generally are droughty,
infertile, and have little capacity
to retain nutrients and other agro-
chemicals. We have consistently
demonstrated that overall turf -
grass quality, in terms of visual
appearance and vegetative density,
is improved by the incorporation
of composts in the root zone at
rates up to approximately 30% by
volume (Cisar and Snyder, 1995;
Snyder and Cisar, 1996). In these
studies, various municipal com-
posts were spread over the soil
surface at a depth of approxi-
mately two inches and incorporat-
ed by rototilling to a depth of
approximately six inches.
Particularly in the months
shortly following compost appli-
cation, drought resistance has
been observed (Cisar and Snyder,
1995). The time following a min -
fall or irrigation event until turf -
grass wilting was observed to be
increased in those plots that
received the compost incorpora-
tion. In greenhouse studies,
leaching of several organophos-
phate insecticides was reduced by
compost addition, and the
addition of compost did not
increase leaching of nitrate or
phosphorus (Cisar and Snyder,
1995).
Compost clearly provides
much needed plant nutrients for
turfgrass growth, which is
reflected as increased uptake of
nutrients by turfgrass grown in
compost -amended soils (Table 13-
1). In one compost source study
that is still underway, the positive
turfgrass growth and visual turf -
grass quality effect of compost
incorporation has been observable
for more than 2.5 years.
We believe the major nutri-
tional benefit of the compost is
due to the quantity of nitrogen it
contains, which is slowly released
to the turfgrass over time. In this
regard, some sources of compost
contain more nitrogen than
others. Those that are amended
with biosolids have analyzed
higher in nitrogen than composts
made exclusively from urban
plant debris, and turfgrass growth
has been greater in soils amended
with such materials (Snyder and
Cisar, 1996). The composts
contain other nutrients as well,
but some fertilizer may be needed
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 45
CHAPTER 13: USE OF COMPOST ON TURFGRASSES
TABLE 13-1
Effects of Compost on Nutrients in Turfgrass
Date
Element
No
compost
With
compost
Statistical
significance,
D/M/Y
0.1
----(m
m`)----
0.07
8/4/93
.,._N..,"-`
-31
". 37
1.0
0.32
P
9
10
ns
- K
19
` 26
27/4/93
N
23
58
**
.22
*..
20/5/93
N
205
658
P
45
162
**
K
144
493
7/6/93
N
172
825
"*
P
34
189
K
121
649
**
29/7/93
N
339
855
**
P
98
222.
30/9/93
N
1693
3119
P:
649
1119
K
1342
2811
'*, ", and ns represent P<0.01, 0.05, and P>0. 10, respectively.
TABLE 13.2
Relationship Between Turfgrass
Topdressing Rates and Depth.
Application
rate
Application
depth
Yd'/ 1000 ft'
inches
0.05
.0.015
0.1
0.03
0.2
0.07
0.3
0.09
0.4 -
0.13
1.0
0.32
to provide a balance of nutrients
with respect to the nitrogen
content of the compost. In this
regard, potassium may be
relatively low in some composts.
Potential Uses of Compost
Amendments in Golf Turf
A number of articles have
appeared in golf course trade
magazines in recent years encour-
aging the use of compost on golf
courses. However, in most cases,
little information is presented that
specifically describes the use of
compost. For example, Wilkinson
(1994) listed many benefits of
46COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
using compost on golf courses,
but provided few examples of its
use or specifics about using
compost on various portions of
the course. Thus it appears that
the task still remains to combine
existing data on the benefits of
compost to turfgrass with a
consideration of the various
possible uses on a golf course in
order to suggest methods and
markets for compost uses on golf
courses.
Golf courses can be compart-
mentalized into four main sectors:
greens, tees, fairways, and roughs.
On an area basis, fairways and
roughs account for more than 90
percent of the golf course.
Although greens and tees
constitute only a small portion of
the entire area, they receive a vast
majority of the overall mainte-
nance dollars and effort expended
on the course.
Greens Construction
Modem greens generally are
constructed according to rigid
specifications delineated by the
United States Golf Association
(USGA). The specifications allow
for inclusion of organic matter in
the form of sphagnum peat, but
the use of other materials is not
recommended. It may be possible
to substitute compost for sphag-
num peat, but any such mixture
should be analyzed in the labora-
tory before use to confirm adher-
ence to USGA-specifications for
the root zone mix. For this rea-
son, no blanket recommendation
can be made for the use of com-
post in greens construction.
Topdressing
Routine soil application on
the surface of greens (topdressing)
to control thatch and increase
surface smoothness and ball roll
on mature and new golf course
greens is an essential golf course
cultural management operation.
Topdressing adds a thin layer of
soil, usually no more than 1/8 -
inch depth at the surface of the
turf, after which it is incorporated
by mechanical and physical
action with brushes or mats. At
this rate, approximately 0.4 cubic
yards of topdressing per 1000 ft2
of surface area are required
(Table 13-2). Frequency and rates
of topdressing are based on
targeted use. In Florida, top -
dressing is applied to bermuda-
grass as often as bi-weekly. Light
rates of topdressing are preferred
for quality greens (Beard, 1982).
Topdressing rates range from 0.05
yards per thousand square feet for
well -performing greens with
minimal thatch to 0.4 cubic yards
per thousand square feet for
bermudagrass greens with a
thatch problem (Beard, 1982).
Greens in Florida generally
comprise 6 to 8 thousand square
feet each.
Topdressing materials should
closely match the texture of the
existing soil medium if soil root
zone modification is not the goal.
Soil layering should be avoided as
this reduces water and air move-
ment through the profile. Thus,
topdressing may not consist
purely of compost. Instead,
topdressing materials generally
consist of sand- and soil -sized
particles, in addition to organic
materials (Beard, 1982).
Furthermore, organic matter
addition to topdressing is an area i
of controversy. Some experts
recommend pure sand for top -
dressing of greens, as sufficient
organic matter is found in thatch
(McCarty and Elliott, 1994). On
the other hand, Adams and Gibbs
(1994) recommend topdressing
applications with a low amount of !
organic matter to dilute the resid-
ual organic matter and to avoid
the increased surface hardness
from pure sand applications.
Regardless of the philosophy
on the benefits of including
organic matter in topdressing,
many golf course superintendents
routinely apply topdressings that
have organic matter mixed in as
an additive to improve nutrient
and water retention. A number of '
organic materials have been used
in soil mixtures, with peats being
the most popular. Composted leaf '
blade materials generated by the
course also have been used.
Following current management
practices, more compost would be
utilized in topdressing for greens
than for any other porton of
course, because topdressing is not
routinely used on the remainder
of the course. Greens are mowed !
very closely, so compost used in
topdressing must be very fine, and
not contain fragments of metal,
glass, and plastic.
Tees
Tees probably could be
constructed with 10% by volume
compost, or perhaps somewhat
more, and there would be an
agronomic benefit for the grass.
Initial "grow -in" likely would be
faster, less fertilizer would be
CRAPfER 13: USE OF COMPOST ON TURFGRASSES
required for maintenance, and
irrigation might be reduced
somewhat.
Fairways
Fairways constitute the bulk
of the golf course acreage.
Compost probably could be used
beneficially in fairways during
construction, with incorporation
in the surface soil at rates of IO to
20% by volume, and up to 30% in
well drained areas. Bunkers and
fairway mounds often are
droughty and difficult to manage,
and compost use in bunker and
mound construction might be
especially valuable. Utilization of
compost in fairway contraction
could aid in "grow -in" and main-
tenance, reducing the required
amount of fertilizer and possibly
water for at least several years.
Roughs
Roughs are second in area
only to fairways. Compost
incorporation into areas devoted
to roughs could be especially
useful, since fertilization and
irrigation probably could be
reduced. In all but poorly drained
areas, compost incorporation at
rates up to 30% by volume should
be permissible.
The Role of Compost in
Disease Management on
Golf Courses
Intensively managed golf
greens are particularly exposed to
stresses caused by plant diseases.
In recent years, alternative
methods of disease control,
including the use of composts and
biological control agents, have
been suggested (Nelson, 1992).
The mechanism of control is
thought to be through suppression
of disease by either a direct effect
of microorganisms in the compost
on the pathogen or from more
favorable soil conditions which
encourage soil microflom
diversity, leading to suppression.
Cornposting Golf Course
Wastes
Using golf course leaf blade
clippings and other plant -derived
materials as an organic amend-
ment to topdressing has been an
"in-house" practice of some
superintendents for a number of
years. However, there has been lit-
tle scientific study to base recom-
mendations for using such
materials. Potential problems
arising with incorporating organic
matter from such sources include
introduction of pathogens, weeds,
nutrient -rob from poorly
composted materials, source
inconsistency, and play interrup-
tion from poorly sized organic
materials. Golf courses may also
be limited by low storage capacity
and availability of composted
topdressing and labor support to
adequately prepare the top -
dressing materials. Companies
that could conduct the compost
operation at the golf course, and
vendors who could supply
composted topdressings, as
needed, could fill this marketplace
niche (Ostmeyer, 1993).
For golf courses that want
to do on-site preparation of
composted topdressings, few
guidelines exist. The dry soil
topdressing mix should be sieved
to remove large objects and may
require fumigation to kill off
pathogens, weed seeds, and
undesirable vegetative propagules
(Beard, 1982). The organic matter
fraction portion should be sized
to avoid segregation after
application to the turf surface.
According to Beard (1982), the
final preparatory step for the
topdressing mix should be
composted for a period of up to
eight to ten months to regenerate
soil flom and fauna. Composted
topdressing should be stored in a
well -ventilated shed and be
sufficiently dry at the time of
application (Beard, 1982). O
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 47
PART 3: AGRICULTURAL USES FOR COMPOST IN FLORIDAICHAPTER 14
Compost Use on Forest lands
Using compost on Florida's forest lands may be an acceptable
means of recycling organic residuals.
�. he recycling of composted
residuals through forest
lands is generally beneficial
because of increased growth of
limber with a low health risk for
the remote human food -chain.
Composted waste utilization on
forest lands has been documented
nationwide and in Florida as an
acceptable alternative for waste
recycling (Cole et al., 1986;
Riekerk, 1986; Jokela et al.,
1990). Recycling the slow-release
materials carefully and sparingly
on the highly absorptive porous
forest soils maintains acceptable
ecological conditions and runoff
water quality. The added organic
matter increases the absorptive
capacity and decreases the acidity
of Florida's forest soils. These
processes, in tum, increase the
retention of heavy metals against
leaching into the water table
(Fiskel l and Pritchett, 1979).
Compost Utilization in a
Slash Pine Plantation
Forest
This project built upon a
previous study of the benefits of
compost application to a slash
pine flatwoods site prior to
planting. In that case, composted
MS W application nearly doubled
the yield of wood without mea-
surable adverse effects (Jokela et
al., 1990). The main objectives of
48COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
H. ILIEUM
DEPARTMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
UN IVERSITY OF Ft mucA
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA
the silvicultural municipal solid
waste (MSW) compost utilization
study was to investigate the effects
of composting on water -holding
capacity, soil chemistry, soil/
ground water quality, and tree
survival and growth (Riekerk,
1995) and to demonstrate
conservation of water by
increasing the soil retention
capacity with amendments of
organic waste products.
The sites were in the Austin
Cary Memorial Forest near the
University of Florida in a cleared
area of sandy soil with a 3 ft deep
water table, and in a six-year old.
slash pine (Pinus elliottii) planta-
tion forest on poorly -drained soil.
This site design was chosen to
evaluate the effects of leaching
depth on groundwater
contamination, and of weed
competition on tree survival.
Five -row plots within each
site received on average a low
(59), medium (96), and high (127)
dry ton/acre of compost during
the fall of 1992. Half-length 50 ft
plots received 100 Ib mixed
fertilizer+ 100 lb urea +200 Ib
lime (nutrient -only) or 68 dry
ton/acre wood chips (carbon -
only) to separate their combined
effects in compost. The nutrient
application with wood chips aver-
aged about 50% of the low com-
post rate, and that with fertilizer
was about 75%. The carbon -to -
nitrogen ratio of the compost on
the seedling site was 30, on the
forest site 34, and of wood chips
58, while the moisture contents
were 33%, 26% and 45%, respec-
tively. The urea had 46% nitrogen,
the lime 28% calcium, and the
mixed fertilizer 10% each of
nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium. The compost on the
cleared site was disked into the
soil and then planted with slash
pine seedlings, but that on the
forested site wasonly top -dressed
between tree rows to avoid root
damage (Figure 14- l).
Compost, surface soil,
soil/ground water sampling and
analysis lasted only for a year, but
periodic tree measurements were
continued over 5-1 /2 years.
Water -Holding Capacity
The data from the seedling
site indeed showed reduced soil
bulk density, which increased
field soil water content of all
treatments. The high -rate compost
application significantly increased
saturated water -holding capacity
in the seedling site.
Similar results were reported
for MSW compost applications
up to 20 ton/acre in a young
slash pine plantation (Bengston
and Comette, 1973).
Soil Surface Chemistry
The compost treatments
increased the pH, mineral and
organic matter levels, as could be
expected from the relatively high
application rates. Similar results
have been reported by others
(Fiske) l and Pritchett, 1979;
Fiskel l et al., 1979). Post-treat-
ment organic matter analyses
showed a 1.5-2.0 fold increase in
organic matter for the high com-
post treatments with up to 3%
organic matter in the topdressed
forest soil.
The wood chips with the high i
soluble phosphorus content
increase the phosphorus in the
surface soil as much as it was
expected. The high levels of phos- !
phoms in percolating soil water
suggest significant leaching, but
the lack of a treatment response
of the phosphorus level in ground
water (at both sites) may have
been caused by mineral and
biological fixation in the sodic
horizon (Fiskel I and Pritchett,
1979).
Soil and Ground Water
Quality
All treatments increased
phosphorus levels in soil water of
the seedling site, including a Ing-
CHAPTER 14: COMPOST USE ON FOREST LANDS
nificant rise in phosphorus by the reduced nitrate -nitrogen levels
high -rate compost. In contrast, under the wet, organic -rich and
the addition of similar rates of neutral pH levels of the high -rate
compost to agricultural soils compost, but significant nitrogen
under laboratory conditions immobilization may have been
reduced water -extractable phos- the dominant process under the
phonrs levels by fixation (Graetz, wood chips with a very high car -
1994), bon/nitrogen ratio of 58 (Crmetz,
Because of an unexpectedly 1994). The relatively low nitrate
high phosphorus level in soil nitrogen level in soil water under
water from the control plot of the wood chips of the forest site also
forest site, significantly increased suggested nitrogen immobiliza-
phosphorus levels could not be tion, but nitrification is low in the
demonstrated for the treatments. acid soil of this site (Burger,
However, the phosphorus level in 1979).
soil water from the control of an The high pH and conductivi-
earlier study on the site was about ty levels under the compost layers
0.24 ppm (Burger, 1979), suggest- were generated by the significant-
ing significant increases by the ly increased amounts of potassi-
treatments. um and calcium in soil water,
The highly variable nutrient which in tum were exceeded by
levels of soil water were increased those of water-soluble laboratory
mostly by an initial flushing € compost extracts. The soil/
effect, with the exception of ground water ratio for copper
nitrate -nitrogen in the high -rate (Cu) was similar to that in a
compost and wood chip plots of loamy soil column leaching study
the seedling site. A comparison of where the process of Cu mobility
the average nitrate -nitrogen levels was associated with the soluble
in water -extracts with those in soil Cu supply from compost rather
water showed much lower ratios than being complexed by dis-
under compost than wood chips, solved organic matter that was
suggesting nitrification of the trapped by the subsoil
large amount of water-soluble (Giusquiani et al., 1992).
ammonium -nitrogen in the com- The chemistry of soil water
post. Denitrification apparently may be important for tree
nutrition; however, that of ground
water is of environmental
concern. While soil water under
all the compost treatments had
' higher levels of nutrient elements
than the control, only the high -
rate compost application
generated ground water quality
levels that exceeded accepted
standards for a significant time
i interval. The main contaminant
was nitrate -nitrogen, as was
expected from its ionic mobility
and its documentation by
previous studies (Riekerk, 1986).
:
Tree Survival and Growth
The addition of nutrient -rich
MSW compost obviously has a
fertilizer effect on plant growth.
Figure 141. Applying rompost to an existing pine plantation.
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 49
CHAPTER 14: COMPOST USE ON FOREST LANDS
The effect of compost on average -
tree volume was a 42% increase
by high, 33% by medium and
25% by low applications, while
that by wood chips was 33% and
fertilizer was 29% after 66
months. The latter responses sug-
gest that about half of the com-
post effect was derived from the
added organic matter (water -hold-
ing capacity) and half from
improved nutrition. Tree
mortality in the fertilizer plot
created a plot volume 63% higher
than that of the control while the
others grouped around 37% more.
This compares to about 70 per-
cent of biomass weight after 16
years in an earlier study, which is
in part due to increased wood
5000MPOST USE IN FLORIDA
density with age (Jokela et al.,
1990).
Recommendations for
Compost Application on
Forest Lands
The information from this
study suggests that for a large-
scale application, better methods
are required for a more even
distribution of the compost over
the site. Top dressing in an
existing pine plantation is feasible
with a straight -walled live -bottom
wagon, but incorporation may
damage the roots. Application of
paper -mill sludge pellets with a
centrifugal fertilizer spreader has
been done operationally in
northeast Florida.
Compost application rates for
tree growth improvement can be
as high as 130 dry tonlacre, but
transport and application costs
and increased tree mortality
makes a medium rate of 100 dry
ton/acre more effective. In
addition, established limits of
environmental water quality
standards in Florida restrict the
application rate for poorly -
drained sandy pine flatwoods to
400 lbs/acre of nitrogen per year,
or about 100 dry ton/acre of
compost every five years. Earlier
trials in a plantation establish-
ment showed that optimal growth
could be realized at 100 tonstacre
or less. O
PART 3: AGRICULTURAL USES FOR COMPOST IN FLORIDAICHAPTER 15
Reclamation of Phosphate
Mine lands with Compost
The phosphate mining industry annually reclaims an
average of 4,000 to 5,000 acres of mine lands in Florida,
making it a viable market for compost products.
1 0h phosphate industry in
Florida produces more than
75 percent of the United
States' supply of phosphate. The
industry is concentrated in five
southwest Florida counties that
include Hillsborough, Polk,
Hardee, Manatee and Desoto,
where over 90 percent of
Florida's phosphate is mined. In
1996, the mining industry began
reclamation at a 100 percent
equivalency that requires one acre
to be reclaimed for every acre
mined. The phosphate mining
industry on average reclaims
between 4,000 and 5,000 acres a
year of mine lands in Florida.
Statutory and Economic
Considerations
The cost to reclaim phos-
phate land is between $3,000 and
$8,000 per acre. Earth -moving
contributes the largest single
expense. Mining reclamation
costs for `old -lands" — those
mined before July 1, 1975 — are
subsidized by the State
Comptroller from the Minerals
Trust Fund, which is funded by a
phosphate severance tax. After
that date, state statutes required
mandatory reclamation of mine
lands by the phosphate industry
itself.
The Comptroller reimburses
the industry for reclamation of
the old lands at a rate of $4,000
an acre for mined -out areas and
$2,500 an acre for clay settling
areas and other land fortes. Of
the 87,000 acres of old lands
mined before 1975, almost half
remain to be reclaimed.
Traditional Use of Organic
Material by the Mining
Industry
In Florida, the level of
organic matter required by the
Department of Transportation for
establishment of vegetation is 1
percent. Soil found on mined
phosphate lands usually has less
than one half of one percent
organic matter. The mining indus-
try manages its soil to recover its
organic content. Topsoil found in
overburden is set aside for future
use. Peat is seldom available.
Muck is the primary material
used, but its availability varies.
Muck is found in wetland areas
with depths ranging from a few
centimeters to several meters. As
part of a permit to mine wetlands,
mining companies typically are
required to remove and stockpile
muck prior to mining and to use
it later to reclaim wetlands.
At the present time, the pri-
mary reclamation activity where
organic material may be required
is in the re-creation of wetlands.
The main reasons to save muck
Jw RAGSDALE
SANITATION D. -T -T
CRY OF ST. PETERSBURG
ST. PBTBRSBURO, FLORIDA
found on phosphate lands are its
ability to provide a low cost
source of wetland seeds for plant
establishment and its ability to
retain moisture during the dry
season.
Some of the problems
experienced by the industry with
the mining of muck are: 1) it is
not uniform in particle size, 2) it
may contain nuisance plant seeds,
3) while stockpiled, its moisture
level should be maintained to
preserve seed and to avoid wind
disbursement, and 4) muck may
be found with a relatively low
organic content level (around 20
percent.)
Wetland creation involves the
additional expense of soil
recontouring of elevation to
create hydrological conditions
needed to form wetlands. Another
associated cost to the mine com-
pany is the processing of muck
that includes excavation, transfer,
stockpiling and application.
Blending of recycled urban
plant debris with muck in order to
obtain biological diversity of seed
is one option for future field trials.
To use recycled urban plant debris
organic material in wetlands miti-
gation projects, it should have the
following parameters: 1) be free of
weed seed, 2) have a preferred pH
range between 5.0 to 6.3) contain
a particle size that will not float,
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 51
4) have a level of maturity that
releases nitrogen, 5) have an
organic content range between
35 and 65 percent.
Mining Industry% Past and
Present Use of Recycled i
Organic Material
The industry has had limited
exposure to the use of urban
plant debris organic material.
Historically, there have been a few
small scale field experiments
where urban plant debris organic
material was used in demonstra-
tion projects. It has been used in
turf establishment on quartz sand
slopes and on phosphogypsum
stacks.
The industry now requires
that organic material be particle
size -reduced, managed for weed
seed and delivered by motor
carrier to the reclamation site.
Mining activity in Florida is
located on the northern edge of
the southern climate zone, which
is subject to invasive, nuisance
plants. For this reason, a weed
seed -free material is required.
Another concern by the industry
is the availability of a sufficient
quantity of acceptable material to
meet its reclamation needs.
i
The Industry's Conversion
to the Use of Recycled
Organic Material
The most important indicator i
of successful reclamation is plant
performance. State regulations
allow one year for revegetation
and one year for vegetative
establishment. Soil that has been
mined needs improvement to
support vegetation. Addition of
organic material results in
increased soil fertility and the
ability of vegetation to become
established and self-sustaining.
The use of recycled urban plant
debris organic material by the
phosphate industry will increase
following successful demonstra-
52COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
CHAPTER 15: RECLAMATION OF PHOSPHATE MINE LAND WITH COMPOST
tion projects. The industry is now
exploring the development of a
low cost means of land applica-
tion of organic material that does
not exceed its present reclamation
costs per acre.
Future Uses and Benefits
of Recycled Yard Waste
Organic Material
The lands with the greatest
potential for use of urban plant
debris organic material as a soil
amendment are the more sterile
upland areas that receive sand
tailings and the clay settling areas,
where the organic content is less
than one half of one percent The
successful establishment of turf in
upland areas acts as a buffer to fil-
ter storm water runoff that
reduces water turbidity in wet-
lands. Organic material also can
be substituted for the application
of clay that is placed in sand,
where it is used to improve the
cation -exchange capacity and
moisture retention.
The establishment of
vegetation aided by the use of
organic material will improve the
properties of soil structure and
reduce soil erosion. The addition
of organic material aids the soil's
physical and chemical properties
by improving cation -exchange
capacity, increasing water -holding
capacity, reducing the acidity in
soils, and providing plant nutri-
ents. Soil biological properties are
improved by reintroduction of a
microbial population in the soil.
Sheet cornposting. State
regulations regarding the duration
of time allowed for completion of
reclamation is determined by the
size of the land and the character
of the soil. On a 400 -acre tract of
land, the state normally allows a
total of six years, including four
years for earth -moving, one year
for revegetation and one year for
plant establishment A longer
reclamation period is allowed for
upland soils that contain sand
tailings and clay settling.
Sheet composting offers a
large-scale processing potential
but requires, as a precondition,
the availability of a large tract of
land and ample time. The sheet
composting process involves the
formation of windrows with
specially designed delivery trailers
containing live bottoms. The
windrows are strategically
positioned for the future even
distribution of material when
spread to a depth of one or two
feet over large land areas. At
two feet of depth, the sheet
composting process accelerates
decomposition by creating a
lower temperature than found in
windrows. This provides a
broader range of microbial
activity while improving the avail-
ability of oxygen and retaining
rain water that accumulates on
the bottom six inches. At a future
date, the remainder of the decom-
posed material is cut into the soil
prior to plant revegetation.
The significance of the scale
of operation is illustrated by the
fact that, at two feet of depth, an
acre will hold 1,000 tons and a
100 -acre tract will hold 100,000
tons.
Sand dam. The phosphate
industry has reduced its depen-
dence on deep well water and
now relies heavily on recycling
the water used to transport the
slurry mix of mined ore. It also
uses water as a medium to
separate non -phosphate material.
Quartz sand is removed from the
matrix of ore material and is used
to construct dams found in an
elaborate network of retention
lakes and canals used to remove
clay and reuse the water.
Quartz sand is low in
nutrients and organic matter and
has poor water retention qualities.
To comply with the requirements
of turf establishment on dams
constructed of sand, the industry
applies a mixture of bahia and
CHAPTER 15: RECLAMATION OF PHOSPHATE MINE LAND WITH COMPOST
bermuda seed to the dam face
wall. The industry reports that,
within three years, sympathetic
weed growth inundates the seeded
areas. Contributing to this
condition is the four -to -one slope
of the dam and the mid-range
size of the quartz sand particle
that allows water to percolate,
creating and conditions for turf
establishment.
The industry is interested in
experimenting in a field trial over
a two -acre area of a sand dam
face. Urban plant debris organic
material will be blended with the
sand at 0, 30 and 50 percent
ratios and applied to one foot
depth. The year-long demonstra-
tion project will attempt to show
that, as the material decomposes,
it will provide moisture and nutri-
ent retention needed to assure
extended turf establishment, help-
ing to further stabilize the slope.
Phosphogypsum stacks. This
is another area where the mining
industry may be able to use large
amounts of urban plant debris
organic material. Very little
research is available using urban
plant debris as a medium amend-
ed on slopes. Here the objective is
to create soil conditions that
improve the establishment and
survival of turf grass on phospho-
gypsum stacks and that help
remediate the effluence impact of
surface water runoff that may
include soluble salts, fluoride and
radon.
The establishment of turf on
gypsum stacks has proven difficult
as a result of a very acidic pH
range between 3.0 and 5.0.
Composted urban plant debris
organic material with a higher pH
range of around 8.0 is expected to
raise the soil pH while also
improving moisture and nutrient
retention qualities to the soil.
Roadway stabilization.
Phosphate mines use long
pipeline routes to transport the
mined ore slurry to benefaction
plants where the phosphate rock
is separated. The pipelines require
service roads and the routes cross
areas high in sand content. Yard
waste organic material provides a
temporary stabilization material
for the road surface while
providing texture to the sand and
reducing dust.
Erosion control. There are
watershed areas from rainfall that
erode upland areas. Recycled
urban plant debris mulch has
been effective in reducing erosion
when placed in a row or small
berm across the top of the area
subject to erosion in upland areas. 0
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 53
GLOSSARY
Biosolids: The solid material
removed from wastewater after
domestic sewage has been
processed at wastewater treatment
plants. Also known as "residuals"
or "sewage sludge" (adapted from
Biosolids Management in Florida,
1997).
Compost- "Solid waste that has
undergone biological decomposi-
tion of organic matter, has been
disinfected using composting or
similar technologies, and has been
stabilized to a degree which is
potentially beneficial to plant
growth and which is used or sold
for use as a soil amendment, arti-
ficial top soil, growing medium
amendment or other similar uses"
(Rule 62-701.200(21), Fla.
Administrative Code).
Contamination: Unwanted
material. Physical contaminants
can include sbarps, metal
fragments, glass, plastic, and
stones; chemical contaminants
can include trace heavy metals
and toxic organic compounds;
biological contaminants can
include pathogens. In excessive
amounts, a contaminant can
become a pollutant (adapted from
Composting Council, 1994).
Curing. The last stage of
composting that occurs after
most of the readily metabolized
material has been decomposed or
stabilized. It provides additional
biological stabilization
(Composting Council, 1994).
Feedstock: Organic materials that
can be composted. Commonly -
used feedstocks include grass
clippings and other urban plant
debris, biosolids and municipal
solid waste.
Heavy Metals: A group of
metallic elements with
concentrations that are regulated
because of the potential for
toxicity to humans, animals, or
plants. Trace elements include
copper, nickel, cadmium, lead,
mercury, and zinc if present in
excessive amounts (Composting
Council, 1994).
Humus: A complex amorphous
aggregate, formed during the
microbial decomposition or
alteration of plant or animal
residues and products synthesized
by soil organisms; principal con-
stituents are derived of lignins,
proteins, and cellulose combined
with inorganic soil constituents;
dark or black carbon -rich
relatively stable residue resulting
from the decomposition of
organic matter (Composting
Council, 1994).
Macronutrients: Nutrients used
by plants in high quantities.
Mature Compost: Material that
has gone through the windrow or
in -vessel process for "sanitation"
and has been sufficiently cured for
stability so as not to introduce
phytotoxic acids. Mature compost
will not deplete soil nitrogen to
support additional biological
i decomposition but will be
beneficial to soil and plants
grown in the amended soil
(adapted from Composting
Council, 1994).
the soil against erosion from rain-
fall (adapted from Composting
Council, 1994).
Nitrogen Immobilization
(N -rob): A condition in which
microorganisms in immature
compost consume the available
plant nitrogen in the soil to
decompose the compost.
Allowing the compost to stabilize
for a few months before planting
or applying nitrogen as a mineral
fertilizer usually corrects the
problem.
i Organic Matter: Any carbons-
[ ceous material (exclusive of
carbonates) of animal or
€ vegetable origin, large or small,
dead or alive, consisting of hydro-
carbons and their derivatives.
Pathogens: Organisms or micro-
organisms, including bacteria,
mold, fungus, virus, and protozoa
capable of producing an infection
or disease in a susceptible host.
Measures to control pathogens
include industrial hygiene,
effective design and operation
for biodegradation of pathogen
nutrients and adequate and
uniform aeration and tempera-
ture/time to assure pathogen
destruction (adapted from
Composting Council, 1994).
Phytotoxins: Toxins that may
endanger plant viability or
functionality. (Composting
Micronutrients: Nutrients ; Council, 1994).
required by plants in small
quantities but toxic at high levels, Screening: A production step to
including boron, chlorine, copper, mechanically classify materials by
iron, manganese, molybdenum, i size through the use of screening
and zinc. equipment.
Mulch: A soil surface cover used
to retain moisture by retarding
evaporation, discourage weed
growth, stabilize temperatures by
insulating the soil, and stabilize
Soil Conditioner: (Soil
Amendment) A soil supplement
that physically stabilizes the soil,
improves resistance to erosion,
increases permeability to air and
COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA 55
water, improves texture and
resistance to crusting, eases
cultivation, or otherwise improves
soil physical quality (Composting
Council, 1994).
Stability: A level of biological
activity in a moist, warm, and
aerated biomass sample. Unstable
biomass consumes nitrogen and
oxygen to support biological
activity and generates heat,
carbon dioxide, and water vapor.
Unstable, active compost
demands nitrogen if applied to
56 C O M P O S T USE IN FLORIDA
the soil and can cause nitrogen
deficiency in the soil mix and be
detrimental to plant growth, even
causing death of plants in some
cases (Composting Council,
1994).
Urban plant debris: Grass
clippings and other yard
trimmings.
i Water Table: The upper surface
i of ground water (Cornposting
Council, 1994).
;Windrow: An elongated
formation of urban plant debris
i where the dimension of
construction, the particle size,
and the manner of rotation
provides a state to control
i temperatures. Windrows have a
large exposed surface area which
encourages passive aeration and
drying.
REFERENCES
Adams, W.A. and R. J. Gibbs.
(1994) Natural Turf fOrSport and
Amenity: Science and Practice. CAB
International. Wallingford, UK.
Atkinson, C. (1997) NASA tests
composters for space. BioCycZe.
March 1997:47-48.
Barker, A.V. (1997) Composition
and uses of compost. Pp. 140-162
In: Rechcigl, J.E. and H. C.
MacKinnon (Eds.) Agricultural
Uses of By -Products and Wastes.
American Chemical Society,
Washington, DC.
Barker, A.V., T.A. O'Brien, and
M.L. Stratton. Soil and by-
product characteristics that
impact the beneficial use of by-
products. In: Beneficial Uses of
Municipal, Industrial and
Agricultural Products, ASA, CSSA,
SSSA Monograph, American
Society of Agronomy, Madison,
W1. (In press).
Beard, J.B. (1982) Turfgrass
Matmgenneut for Golf Courses.
Macmillan Publishing Company
New York, NY
Bengston, G.W., and J. J.
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Timmer, L. W., J. H. Graham,
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stable aggregates in soil. J. Soil
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Turner, M. S., G. A. Clark, C. D.
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62COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA
UF' IFAS Extension
umvexsrn fau,,.,
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide'
Sydney Park Brown, Danielle Treadwell, J. M. Stephens, and Susan Webb'
Vegetable gardening offers fresh air, sunshine, exercise,
enjoyment, mental therapy, nutritious fresh vegetables, and
economic savings, as well as many other benefits (Figure 1).
Vegetables can be grown year-round in Florida if attention
is paid to the appropriate planting dates (Table 1). Planting
dates and other vegetable gardening information are also
available as a free mobile app called `Florida Fresh.' Access
an app provider for your mobile phone or download it from
http://ni.ifas.utl.edu.
\%Z
Figure 1.
Credits: kazoka30/iStock/Thinkstock.com
While this guide provides recommendations primarily for
traditional home gardens, the information may be useful
SP 103
in other situations, such as community gardens, market
gardens, and unconventional approaches like container
and raised bed gardens (see EDIS publication EN -H1211
Gardening in Raised Beds (http://edis.ifas.uf.edu/ep472).
Steps in Gardening
Site
For convenience, locate the garden near the house on a
well -drained site close to a source of water and in a location
that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
With proper care, vegetables may also be included in the
landscape among ornamental plants. Coastal sites are also
suitable. Where possible, rotate the garden from place to
place to help control soil diseases and other pests.
Plan
Before planting, draw a garden plan that includes the name,
location, and planting date(s) of the vegetables you want to
grow. Use the planting guide (Table 1) to develop your plan.
Make a list of supplies and order or purchase seeds early
if you intend to grow your own transplants. The planting
guide lists which vegetable seedlings transplant easily and
which do not. Vegetables that are difficult to transplant
should be seeded directly into the garden or started in
containers first.
1. This document is SP 103, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, UFAFAS Extension. Original publication date December 1999.
Revised October 2015. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Sydney Park Brown, associate professor emerita, Environmental Horticulture Department, and adjunct professor, Center for Landscape Conservation
and Ecology; DanielleTreadwell, assistant professor, Horticultural Sciences Department, and organic farming specialist, J. M. Stephens, professor
emeritus, Horticultural Sciences Department; and Susan Webb, associate professor, Entomology and Nematology Department; UFAFAS Extension,
Gainesville, FL 32611.
The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UFAFAS does not guarantee or warranty the
products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational Information and other services only to
individuals and institutions that function with non-dlscriminatton with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex sexual orientation, marital status, national
origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UFAFAS Extension publications, contact your county's UFAFAS Extension office.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, UFAFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County
Commissioners Cooperating. NickT. Place, dean for UFAFAS Extension.
Soil Preparation
Gardeners often plant on whatever soil type is available,
but it is usually worthwhile to improve the garden plot with
additions of organic matter (see below). Spade or plow the
plot at least three weeks before planting. At planting time,
rework the soil into a smooth, firm surface.
ORGANIC MATTER
Most Florida soils are low in organic matter and therefore
benefit from the addition of organic matter such as animal
manure, rotted leaves, compost, commercial soil mixes,
and/or cover crops. Composted organics may be applied
at planting time; un -composted organics (such as fresh
grass clippings) should be mixed into the soil at least a
month before seeding. Due to low and inconsistent levels
of nutrients in compost, accompanying applications of inor-
ganic or organic fertilizer may be beneficial (See Fertilizing
below). Thoroughly mix liberal amounts of un -composted
organics in the soil well in advance of planting, preferably
at least a month before seeding. Animal manure if used
should be spread at a rate of 25-100 pounds per 100 square
feet and should be worked into the soil 90-120 days before
harvesting any vegetables. See EDIS Publication HS 1215
Organic Vegetable Gardening in Florida (http://edis.ifas.ufl.
edu/hs1215).
COMPOST
Create your own "garden gold" by converting yard wastes
to compost (Figure 2). Composting is easy to do and yields
a manure -like, organic fertilizer/soil conditioner, which
highly benefits Floridas infertile native soils. See EDIS
Publication ENE 1065 Compost Tips for the Home Gardener
(http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP323).
Figure 2.
Credits: OF/IFAS
Florida Vegeta Mc Gardening Guide
1. Buy a compost unit or build one from recycled wood
Pallets, concrete block, sturdy wire, etc. The minimum
size should be 3'x3'x3'
2. Make successive, 12 -inch -thick layers of plant waste—
such as leaves, lawn clippings, shredded branches, and
wood chips. Kitchen scraps may also be used.
3. Animal (not pet) manure, finished compost, blood meal,
or fertilizer can be added to each layer if desired.
4. Moisten each layer and keep the pile moist.
5. Turn the pile frequently to add oxygen and help the
decomposition process.
6. Depending on how intensively it is managed, compost
should be ready for use in two to twelve months, when
plant parts are decomposed.
7. Cover the pile to keep rain from leaching nutrients from
it.
COVER CROPS (GREEN MANURE)
Cover crops can be planted in off-seasons to suppress
erosion, weeds, or nematodes. The following cover crops
are recommended for Florida gardens:
• Summer: cowpea, velvet bean, soybean, and sunflower
• Winter: cereal rye (FL 401), crimson clover, and Austrian
winter pea.
When a cover crop is turned into the soil, the decaying
organic matter (green manure) supplies organic matter and
nutrients.
For more information, see EDIS Publication ENY012
Managing Nematodes for the Non -Commercial Vegetable
Garden (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/NG005).
ADJUSTING SOIL PH
Soil pH is important because it determines how available
nutrients are to plants. The best pH range for vegetable
gardens on sandy soil is between pH 5.8 and 6.3. If your soil
PH is between 5.5 and 7.0, no adjustment in pH needs to be
made.
If your soil pH is below 5.5, apply lime at a rate recom-
mended by a reliable soil testing facility, such as the IFAS
Extension Soil Testing Laboratory (http://soilslab.ifas,utl.
edu/). Two to three pounds of finely ground dolomitic
limestone per 100 square feet will usually raise the pH one
point. Caution: Application of lime when it is not needed
may cause plant nutritional problems. Lime is best applied
two to three months before the garden is to be planted.
However, lime may be applied as late as one or two weeks
before planting. Make sure the lime is thoroughly mixed
into the soil to a depth of 6 of 8 inches, then water the soil
to promote the chemical reaction.
If your soil pH is naturally above 7.0 (alkaline), where
limestone, marl, or shells are present, there is no practical
way of permanently lowering soil pH. Additions of acidic
organic matter will help, but only temporarily. Use a
fertilizer that contains micronutrients. If the high pH is
the result of previous over -liming, application of granular
sulfur (1 Ib/100 sq ft) will lower soil pH.
Fertilizing
Unless very large quantities of organic matter are applied,
commercial synthetic fertilizer is usually needed for Florida
gardens. Gardeners find it convenient to use commonly
available fertilizer grades such as 10-10-10. However, some
Florida soils contain adequate phosphorus (the middle
number), and additional amounts should not be added as
phosphorus is a pollutant in surface water such as lakes and
rivers. A soil test will provide guidelines for the amount of
phosphorus and other nutrients to apply. See EDIS Publica-
tion Cir 1248 OF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory
(http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/SS312).
Using the amount of fertilizer recommended on the prod-
uct or based on your soil test results, broadcast fertilizer
over the entire garden plot just before planting. During the
growing season, 2 or 3 light applications of fertilizer can
be applied as needed. Apply the fertilizer just beyond the
outside leaves. Leafy vegetables such as lettuce, kale, and
collards benefit from side dressings of nitrogen -containing
fertilizer such as ammonium nitrate. Tuber and root crops,
like carrots and potatoes, respond to potassium fertilizer
such as muriate of potash.
More information on organic fertilizers and nutrient
management can be found in EDIS Publication HS1215
Organic Vegetable Gardening in Florida (http://edis.ifas.ufl.
edu/hs1215).
Irrigation and Drainage
Vegetables cannot tolerate standing water from excessive
rainfall or irrigation. At the same time, vegetables need
soil moisture to grow and produce. Frequency of irrigation
depends upon the age of the crop and your soil type.
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide
Young plants need frequent but light irrigation; maturing
crops need more water but less often. Sandy soils demand
more frequent irrigation than clay, muck, or amended
soils. Conserve water by using mulch, organic matter, and
techniques such as drip irrigation. Make a slight depression
at the base of plants to hold water until absorbed by the soiL
Extending the Gardening Season
Gardeners can extend the growing season with protective
covers and structures that reduce plant stress and damage
from hot and cold temperatures. Commercial growers use
shade houses, high tunnels, and row covers; gardeners can
adopt modifications of these approaches (Figure 3). To
learn more, see the following EDIS publications Veggies and
Herbs Made in the Shade http://edis.ifas.uf.edu/hsl228 and
Row Covers for Growth Enhancement https://edis.ifas.uf.
edu/cvl06). Remove covers when plants that need bees for
pollination begin to flower (see vegetables listed in Table 1
as members of the Squash/Cucurbitacae family).
Figure 3.
Credits: OF/IFAS
Pest Management
Pests in the vegetable garden include weeds, insects, mites,
diseases, nematodes, and even animals such as raccoons
and birds that might consume the vegetable crop (See
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH036).
A gardener has many options for reducing pest problems
(http://edis.ifas.uf.edu/in 197). Pesticides can be harmful to
people, pets, beneficial insects, and the natural environment
and should be used only after all other pest -management
steps have been taken.
No -Pesticide Approaches
• Follow recommended planting date(s) listed for each
vegetable in Table 1. However, be aware that vegetables
planted in late summer or early fall (August or Septem-
ber) will be susceptible to insects and diseases that thrive
in hot weather. Likewise, cold -tender vegetables planted
in late winter or early spring may be damaged by frosts
or freezes if not protected with covers (see "Extending
the Gardening Season" above for more information on
covers).
Rotate vegetables so that the same vegetable (or members
of the same vegetable family) are not planted repeatedly
in the same areas. The plant family for each vegetable is
listed in Table 1.
Till or hand -turn the soil well in advance of planting to
discourage soil insects—especially when the garden is a
converted lawn area. The garden soil should be turned
and free of weeds, grass, and woody material at least 30
days before planting.
Control weeds in and around the garden because they
can be a source of insects and diseases. Weed control
is best accomplished by mulching and hand -pulling or
hoeing small weeds. Recommended mulches are straw,
fallen leaves, and unfinished compost. Wood mulches
and un -decomposed sawdust should not be used. Weeds
around the outside of the garden and between rows can
be reduced by putting down several layers of newspaper
and then covering them with leaves.
Choose adapted varieties with resistance or tolerance to
nematodes and common diseases.
Purchase healthy transplants that are free of insects and
disease symptoms (such as leaf spots or blights). Avoid
transplants that are already flowering. Consider growing
your own transplants from seed (Figure 4).
Figure 4.
Credits: WendellandCarolyn/i5tockfrhinkstock.com
Protect plants from cutworms by placing a collar
around the plant. The collar can be made from a bottom-
less plastic cup or a waxed cardboard carton. The collar
should extend a few inches above and at least an inch
below the surface of the ground.
. Keep plants growing vigorously and in a state of good
health by supplying appropriate amounts of water and
fertilizer. A healthy plant is often able to survive insect
attacks. Too much nitrogen, however, can make plants
more inviting to aphids and whiteflies.
Monitor or scout the garden twice weekly for pest
problems. This includes inspecting the plants from
the bud to the soil, including both upper and lower
leaf surfaces. Record notes on pest problems and the
performance of different varieties. Include photographs of
insects, diseases, and beneficial insects that you find.
Identify beneficial insects (praying mantis, spiders,
big -eyed bugs, assassin bugs, lady beetles (also called
ladybugs or ladybird beetles), and all wasps). Some of
these insects can be purchased, but keep in mind that
many beneficial insects exist naturally in Florida, and
purchased beneficials will leave if there are no insects for
them to eat.
• Plant flowers in the vegetable garden. They provide
nectar and pollen that attract beneficial insects.
• Remove large insects by hand and destroy. Place them
in a container of soapy water, where they will sink and
drown.
• Watch for early disease symptoms. Remove any diseased
leaves or plants to slow spread.
• Do not panic and start spraying at the first sign of insect
damage. Most plants that produce fruits, pods, or ears can
stand a 10-20% loss of leaves without loss of potential
yields.
• Harvest ripe crops promptly. Allowing over -ripe fruits
to remain on the plants often invites additional insect
problems.
• Remove unproductive plants and compost or dispose of
them.
• Use soil solarization to reduce nematodes—microscopic
worms that attack vegetable roots and reduce growth and
yield. This technique uses the suns energy to heat the soil
and kill soil -borne pests. To solarize soil, first remove
vegetation, then break up and wet the soil to activate the
nematodes. Cover the soil with sturdy, clear -plastic film.
Weight down the edges with additional soil to keep the
plastic in place. Soil solarization should be done during
the warmest six weeks of summer. High temperatures
(above 130°F) must be maintained for best results.
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide 4
• Add organic matter to the soil to help reduce nematode
populations. Organic matter improves the capacity of the
soil to hold water and nutrients and, in turn, improves
plant vigor and resistance to pests.
• See also EDIS Publication HS1215 Organic Vegetable
Gardening in Florida (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs 1215).
Using Pesticides Wisely
If you choose to use pesticides, refer to Tables 3 and follow
pesticide label directions carefully.
• Use pesticides only when a serious pest problem exists.
Your county Extension office can provide information
about insect identification. Organic gardeners can use
certain products (Bt, for example and others http://edis.
ifas.ufl.edu/inl97).
• Protect bees and other pollinators. Apply insecticides
late in the day when they are less active. Malathion,
Carbaryl, and pyrethroids are especially harmful to bees
(Figure 5).
Figure 5.
Credits: OF/IFAS
. Spray the plant thoroughly, covering both the upper and
lower leaf surfaces.
• Do not apply pesticides on windy days.
• Prevent spray burn; make sure the plants are not under
moisture stress. Water, if necessary, and let leaves dry
before spraying. Avoid using soaps and oils when the
weather is very hot.
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide
• Control slugs with products containing iron phosphate.
Products with metaldehyde as the active ingredient are
extremely toxic to animals, such as dogs and wildlife that
may be attracted to the bait.
• Prevent fungus diseases. Purchase fungicide -treated
seed. Many common diseases can be controlled by spray-
ing with fungicides if control efforts begin early—ideally
before symptoms appear. Look on the label for these
chemical names under "active ingredients": chlorotha-
lonil, maneb, or mancozeb fungicide. Powdery mildews
can be controlled with triadimefon, myclobutanil, sulfur,
or horticultural oils. Rusts can be controlled with sulfur,
propiconazole, or tebuconazole. Sprays are generally
more effective than dusts.
Read the label.
• Not every off-the-shelf pesticide can be used on every
vegetable or on vegetables at all. Make sure the veg-
etable and the pest are on the label before purchasing
the product.
• Follow label directions for measuring and mixing.
• Pay close attention to "waiting periods"—the time that
must elapse between the application of a pesticide and
harvest. For example, broccoli sprayed with carbaryl
(Sevin) should not be harvested for two weeks after
application.
• Follow all safety precautions on the label and keep
others and pets out of the area until sprays have dried.
OF/IFAS Extension Agents are located in every county to
advise you further. Contact information can be found at
Find Your Local Office (http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/map/index.
shtml).
Acknowledgements
Retired or relocated faculty that contributed to the first and
second revision of this publication include R. A. Dunn,
retired professor, UFAFAS Entomology and Nematology
Department; G. Kidder, retired professor, OF/IFAS Soil
Science Department; D. Short, retired professor, OF/IFAS
Entomology and Nematology Department; G. W. Simone,
retired professor, OF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department;
and Amanda Gevens, former assistant professor, OF/IFAS
Plant Pathology Department.
Yield
Table 1. Planting
Guide for Florida Vegetables.
Spacing (inches)
Seed
Transplant Plant Family°
per 10 ft
per 10
Harvest
Plants
Crop
Planting
Dates in Florida (outdoors)'
-
k'
North
Central
South
R
00
2.5
30-40
35-60
3-4
Arugula
Sept -Mar
Sept -Mar
Oct -Mar
30-60
Beans, bush
Mar -Apr
Feb -Apr
Sept -Apr
c
8
Aug -Sept
Aug -Sept
3-5
36
Beans, pole
Mar -Apr
Feb -Apr
Sept -Apr
60-80
3-6
Aug -Sept
Aug -Sept
111 (Bean)Fabaceae
7.5
Beans, lima
Mar -Apr
Feb -Mar
Sept -Apr
1h -1
1 (Beet)Chenopodiaceae
Aug
Aug -Sept
75-90
10-15
Beets
Aug -Feb
Sept -Feb
Oct -Jan
Broccoli
Aug -Feb
Sept -Feb
Oct -Jan
Brussels
Aug -Feb
Sept -Feb
Oct -Jan
24
Sprouts
1 (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
(70-90)
Cabbage
Aug -Feb
Sept -Feb
Sept -Jan
12
Cantaloupes
Feb -Apr
Jan -Mar
Dec -Mar
'/4-1/2
Carrots
Aug -Mar
Aug -Mar
Sept -Mar
Cauliflower
Aug -Feb
Sept -Feb
Sept -Jan
4-6
Celery
Aug -Feb
Sept -Mar
Oct -Mar
111 (Squash) Cucurbitaccae
Chinese
Aug -Feb
Sept -Apr
Sept -Apr
cabbage
10
40-120
70-120
Collards
Aug -Feb
Sept -Feb
Sept -Jan
8
Corn, sweet
Feb -Apr
Jan -Apr
Oct -Mar
1/4-1h
Cucumbers
Feb -Apr
Jan -Mar
Sep -Feb
July -Aug
Sept
15
10-20
Eggplant
Feb -Mar
Jan -Feb
Aug -Feb
II (Carrot) Apiaceae
Aug
Aug -Sept
Endive/
Jan -Feb
Aug -Feb
Sept -Mar
70-90
Escarole
Aug -Oct
1/4-1/2
1 (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
Kale
Aug -Feb
Sept -Feb
Sept -Jan
Kohlrabi
Sept -Mar
Oct -Mar
Oct -Feb
12-24
Lettuce
Jan -Feb
Sept -Feb
Sept -Feb
50-70
Sept -Oct
a
12
15-20
64-90
6-8
Yield
Plants
Daysto
Spacing (inches)
Seed
Transplant Plant Family°
per 10 ft
per 10
Harvest
Plants
Rows"
depth
Ability
(pounds)
k'
(inches)
2.5
30-40
35-60
3-4
10
1/4
1 (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
4.5
30-60
45-60
2-4
18
1-1'h
III (Bean) Fabaceae
8
24-40
50-70
3-5
36
1-1'h
111 (Bean)Fabaceae
5
20-40
60-80
3-6
18
1-1'h
111 (Bean)Fabaceae
7.5
30-60
50-70
2-4
12
1h -1
1 (Beet)Chenopodiaceae
5
8-12
75-90
10-15
24
'/4-1/2
1 (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
(50-70)
10
5-7
90-120
18-24
24
1/4-1/2
1 (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
(70-90)
12
8-13
85-110
9-16
24
'/4-1/2
1 (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
(70-90)
15
4-6
85-110
20-36
60
1h-1
111 (Squash) Cucurbitaccae
(70-90)
10
40-120
70-120
1-3
10
1/4
II (Carrot) Apiaceae
8
7-10
75-90
12-18
24
1/4-1h
1 (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
(50-70)
15
10-20
75-90
6-12
18
On
II (Carrot) Apiaceae
surface
10
7-9
70-90
14-18
14
1/4-1/2
1 (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
(60-70)
15
5-10
70-90
12-24
24
'/4-'/2
1 (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
50-70
12
15-20
64-90
6-8
28
1-11/2
III (Grass) Poaceae
10
10-20
40-65
6-12
48
1h-3/4
III (Squash) Cucurbitaceae
20
3-7
90-115
18-40
36
'/2-3/4
1 (Tomato) Solanaceae
(70-90)
7.5
8-9
60-80
14-16
18
1/4
1 (Aster) Asteraceae
7.5
9-10
50-70
B-12
18-
1/4-'h
1 (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
10
24-40
70-80
3-5
24
1h
I (Cabbage) Brassicaceae
(50-55)
7.5
10-15
60-80
8-12
18
1/4
1 (Aster) Asteraceae
„
Crop
Planting Dates in Florida(outdoors)'
Yield
Plants
Daysto
Spacing (inches)
Seed Transplant
Plant Family”
North
Central
South
per 10 ft
per 10
Harvest'
Plants
Rows•
depth Ability'
(pounds)
ft'
(inches)
Mustard
Aug -Feb
Sept -Feb
Sept -Jan
10
12-24
40-50
5-10
12
1/4-'/2 11
(Cabbage) Brassicaceae
R
s
Okra
Mar -June
Feb -Aug
Jan -Mar
7
12-30
60-70
4-10
36
'h-1 III
(Hibiscus) Malvaceae
R
Aug -Oct
n
`
Onions, Bulbing
Mid -Sept-
Oct
Oct
10
30
100-130
4-6
14
'/4-'/2 III
(Lily) Liliaceae
R
Mid -Nov
Onions,
Aug -Mar
Aug -Mar
Sept -Mar
10
30
50-75
2 (green)
14
1/4-1/2 111
(Lily) Liliaceae
c
Bunching
(green)
6-8
(Green and
75-100
(shallots)
Shallots)
(shallots)
Peas, Snow or
Jan -Mar
Nov -Feb
Nov -Feb
4
20-60
60-80
2-6
12
1-11/2 III
(Bean) Fabaceae
English
Peas, southern
Mar -July
Feb -Aug
Sept -Apr
8
20-60
75-90
2-6
12
1-1'h III
(Bean)Fabaceae
Peppers
Feb -Mar
Jan -Mar
Aug -Feb
5
8-13
90-100
9-15
15
'/4-1/2 1
(Tomato) Solanaceae
July -Aug
Aug -Sept
(65-75)
Potatoes, Irish
Jan -Feb
Nov -Feb
Oct -Jan
15
12-24
85-110
5-10
36-42
3-4 (seed II
(Tomato) Solanaceae
pieces)
Potatoes, sweet
Mar -Jun
Feb -Jun
Dec -Sept
30
10-12
85-130
10-12
36
— I
(Morning Glory)
Convolvulaceae
Pumpkin
Early July
MldJuly
Early Aug
30
2-4
80-100
36-60
60
11h-2 111
(Squash)Cucurbitaceae
(70-90)
Radish
Sept -Mar
Sept -Mar
Oct -Mar
4
120
20-30
1
6
'/4 III
(Cabbage) Brassicaceae
Spinach
Sept -Mar
Sept -Mar
Oct -Feb
4
20-60
45-60
2-6
12
1h II
(Beet) Chenopodiaceae
Squash,
Feb -Apr
Jan -Apr
Aug -Mar
15
5-10
40-50
12-24
36
1-1'h III
(Squash)Cucurbitaceae
Summer
Aug -Sept
Aug -Sept
Squash, Winter
Feb -Apr
Jan -Apr
Aug -Mar
30
2-4
85-120
36-60
60
1'h -2 III
(Squash) Cucurbitaceae
Aug -Sept
Aug -Sept
Strawberry
Sept 15 -Oct 15
Sept 25- Oct 25
Oct 1- Dec 1
9-12
8-10
(30-60)
12-16
12
--- I
(Rose) Rosaceae
Swiss Chard
Sept -May
Sept -May
Sept -Mar
8-12
10-20
45-60
6-12
18
1/4-1/2 1
(Beet) Chenopodiaceae
Tomatoes
Feb -Apr
Jan -Feb
Aug -Feb
2
4-7
90-110
18-32
48
1/4-1/2 1
(Tomato) Solanaceae
(supported)
July -Aug
Aug -Sept
(70-90)
Turnips
Aug -Feb
Sept -Feb
Sept -Jan
15
20-60
40-60
2-6
12
1/4-1h III
(Cabbage) Brassicaceae
Watermelon
Feb -Apr
Jan -Mar
Dec -Mar
40
3-5
80-100
24-48
60
11/2-2 III
(Squash)Cucurbitaceae
(60-90)
1 North = all of Florida
north of State
Road 40; central =the
section of Florida
between State Roads 40 and 70; south = all
of Florida below State Road 70.
2 Use transplants (if appropriate) or buy the amount of
seed needed to
grow this many plants per 10 feet of
row. Most seed packets state the number of seeds
the packet contains.
' Days from seeding to harvest: values in parentheses are days from transplants to first harvest.
4 Minimum distance between rows (when planting In rows). Row spacing can be reduced
or ignored as long as plants are spaced correctly.
'Transplant ability
(the ability of a seedling to be successfully transplanted): I = easily survives transplanting; 11 = survives transplanting with care; III = only plant
seeds or containerized
transplants with
developed root systems.
' Rotate plant families = avoid successively planting vegetables from the same family in the same area of the garden.
Table 2. Suggested varieties for Florida gardens.
CROP
Arugula
Beans, Bush
Beans, pole
Beans, lima
Beets
RECOMMENDED VARIETIES'
Speedy, Astro
Snap: Bush Blue Lake, Contender, Roma
II, Provider, Cherokee Wax
Shell: horticultural, pinto, red kidney,
black bean, navy, garbanzo
Plant at 2-3 week intervals from fall through spring for a continual harvest.
The dark green, spicy leaves can be steamed, pureed, or used raw in salads and
sandwiches. Harvest individual leaves as needed or the entire plant when it is
8-10 inches tall. High temperatures cause arugula to flower and become bitter.
Bush beans mature early and do not need staking. Fertilize at 1/2 the rate
used for other vegetables; too much nitrogen limits production. Flowers self -
pollinate. Plant rust -resistant varieties.
McCaslan, Kentucky Wonder, Blue Lake Fertilize at 1/2 the rate used for other vegetables; too much nitrogen limits
production. Support vines. May be grown with corn for vine support. Plant rust -
resistant varieties.
Fordhook 242, Henderson, Jackson
Wonder, Dixie (Speckled) Butterpea,
EarlyThorogreen
Tall Top, Early Wonder, Detroit Dark Red,
Cylindra, Red Ace, Yellow Detroit
Broccoli Early Green, Early Dividend, Green
Sprouting/Calabrese, Waltham,
Packman, De Cicco, Broccoli Raab
(Rapini)
Brussels Jade Cross, Long Island Improved
Sprouts
Cabbage Rio Verde, Flat Dutch, Round Dutch,
Wakefield types, Copenhagen Market,
Savoy, Red Acre
Cantaloupes Athena, Ambrosia, Galia (green flesh)
and Honeydews
Carrots Imperator, Nantes, Danvers, Chantenay
Cauliflower Snowball Strains, Snow Crown,
Brocoverde
Celery Utah strains
Chinese Michihill,bokchoy,Napa, baby bok
Cabbage choy, pak-choi, joi Choi
Collards Georgia, Georgia Southern, Top Bunch,
Vates
Corn, sweet Silver Queen (white), How Sweet It Is
(white), Sweet Ice (white), Sweet Riser
(yellow), Early Sunglow (yellow)
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide
Pole and bush -types exist; provide trellis support for pole -type varieties. Control
stinkbugs that injure pods. Fertilize at 1/2 the rate used for other vegetables; too
much nitrogen limits production. Slightly more heat tolerant than bush or pole
beans. Plant rust -resistant varieties.
Beets require ample moisture at seeding or poor germination will result. Leaves
are edible. Thin early to so beet roots have room to enlarge. Very cold tolerant.
High in vitamins and iron.
Harvest heads before flowers open. Many small side shoots develop after
main head is cut. Very cold hardy and nutritious. Broccoli Raab is not related to
broccoli.
Cool weather (58-60°F) is required or sprouts will open and not be solid.
Sprouts are picked when they are walnut -sized and firm.The first sprouts near
the bottom of the plant will be ready first. Pull off the leaves below the mature
sprouts, then remove the sprouts by twisting them from the stem. Pick the
sprouts at about 2 -week intervals and keep refrigerated.
High in vitamins, especially vitamin C. Long fall/winter planting season. Buy
dean plants to avoid cabbage black -rot disease. Needs ample moisture and
fertilizer. Frost tolerant. Watch for caterpillars.
Bees needed for pollination. Disease prone. Mulch to reduce fruit -rot and
salmonella. Overwatering or heavy rainfall reduces sugar content of maturing
fruit. Harvest when thefruit cleanly separates from the vine with light pressure.
Grow carrots on a raised bed for best results. Sow seeds shallowly.They are slow
to germinate. Keep soil consistently moist throughout the germination and
growing periods.Thin seedlings to recommended spacing when they are an
inch tall. Excellent source of vitamin A
Can be difficult to grow. Plants are cold hardy; heads are not.Tie leaves around
the head (called blanching) when it is 2-3 inches to prevent discoloration or
plant self -blanching varieties.
Can be a difficult crop in the home garden. Requires very high soil moisture
during seeding/seedling stage. Needs 3 months or longer to mature. Look for
early -maturing varieties.
Easy to grow. Two types exist: Heading (Pekinensis) or Open -leaf (Chinensis). Bok
Choy is open -leaf type, while Michihili and Napa form tighter heads.
Cold and heat tolerant. Cool -season greens are more flavorful. Greens are ready
for use 2 months after planting. Harvest lower leaves; never remove more than
1/3 of the plant at one time. Respond, well to nitrogen fertilizer.
Requires space; plant in blocks of at least 3 rows for good pollination. Isolate
different varieties by cross-pollination. Plant where it will not shade other
vegetables. Sucker removal not beneficial. Harvesting in early morning
maintains sugar content. Scout for corn earworm.
CROP RECOMMENDED VARIETIES'
NOTES/REMARKS
Cucumbers slicers: Sweet Success, Poinsett, Ashley, Two types: slicers and picklers. Pickling types can also be used fresh. Burpless
MarketMore 76, Straight Eight, Space
varieties exist. Many hybrids are gynoecious (female flowering; only female
Master
flowers set fruit). Bees are required for pollination.
Picklers: Eureka, Boston Pickling
measured in Scoville units.
Eggplant Black Beauty, Dusky, Long, Ichiban,
Requires warm soil and weather. Harvest into summer. May need staking. Bitter
Cloud Nine (white)
fruit caused by high temperatures or drought conditions.
Endive/Escarole Endive: Green Curled Ruffec
Excellent ingredient in tossed salads or can be cooked as greens. Bitterness can
Escarole: Batavian Broadleaf
be reduced by blanching 2-3 weeks before harvest. Escarole (Batavian endive) is
Caribbean Red Habanero
a broad-leaved selection.
Kale Vates Dwarf Blue Curled, Tuscan
(lacinato), Winterbor, Redbor
Kohlrabi Early White Vienna, Purple Vienna
Lettuce crisphead: Great Lakes
Butterhead: Ermosa, Bibb, Tom Thumb,
Buttercrunch
Loose Leaf: Simpson types, Salad Bowl,
Red Sails, New Red Fire, Oak Leaf, Salad
Bowl, Royal Oak
Romaine: Parris Island Cos,
Outredgeous
Mustard Southern Giant Curled, Florida Broad
Leaf,Tendergreen, Giant Red, Green
Wave, Mizuna
Okra Clemson Spineless, Emerald, Annie
Oakley II, Cajun Delight
Onions Bulbing: Granex (yellow)
Green: Evergreen Bunching, White
Lisbon Bunching
Multipliers: Shallots
Leeks: American Flag
Peas, English or Wando, Green Arrow, Sugar Snap,
Snow Oregon Sugarpod 11
Peas, Southern California Blackeye Nos, Pinkeye Purple
(aka Field Peas, Hull, Texas Cream
Cow Peas,
Crowder Peas,
Cream Peas)
Good source of greens late fall through early spring in north and central Florida.
Harvest outer leaves, but no more than 1/3 of the plant at one time. Ornamental
types are edible, but not very tasty.
Easy to grow. Red and green varieties exist. Use fresh or cooked. Leaves are
edible. Harvest stems when 11h to 3 inches in diameter.
Leaf types grows well in Florida; grow crisphead type only in coolest months.
Damaged by freezing temperatures. Warm temperatures cause bitterness. Sow
seeds very shallow as they need light to germinate. Intercrop lettuce with long -
season and/or taller vegetables.
Good cooking green fall through spring; harvest outer leaves. Broadleaf types
require more space. Damaged by freezing temperatures. Warm temperatures
create bitter flavor.
Soak seeds in water for 6 hours for better germination. Requires warm soils and
temperatures. Very heat tolerant. Highly susceptible to root -knot nematodes.
Harvest pods a few days after flower petals have fallen or pods become tough
and stringy.
Depending on type, onions may be grown from seed, sets, transplants, or
division. Bulbing onions must be planted in fall and be short -day varieties.
Green/bunching onions may be grown fall through spring. Plant close and
harvest (thin) as needed. Insert sets upright for straight stems. Divide and reset
multiplier types every year.
Fertilize at 1/2 rate used for other vegetables; too much nitrogen limits
production (as does warm temperatures). May need support depending on
type. Consume soon after harvest for best quality.
Highly nutritious. Fertilize at 1/2 rate used for other vegetables; too much
nitrogen limits production. Good summer cover crop. Cowpea curculio is a
common pest. Maintain consistent soil moisture.
Peppers Sweet: California Wonder, Red Knight,
Transplants often more successful than seeds. Mulching especially beneficial.
Big Bertha, Sweet Banana, Giant
Will often produce into summer. Pepper"heat"depends on variety and is
Marconi, Cubanelle
measured in Scoville units.
Hot: Early Jalapeno, Jalapeno M; Cherry
Bomb, Hungarian Hot Wax, Big Chile II,
Mariachi, Numex, Ancho,Thai, Anaheim
Chile, Long Cayenne, Habanero,
Caribbean Red Habanero
Potato, Irish Red Pontiac, Yukon Gold, Gold Rush
Plant 2 -ounce certified seed pieces with at least one eye. Each will produce 6-8
potatoes. Do not start with "store bought. "Require cool temperatures, moisture,
and large amounts of fertilizer.
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide
CROP RECOMMENDED VARIETIES'
NOTES/REMARKS
Potatoes, Sweet Centennial, Beauregard, Vardaman, Start with certified -free transplants (slips). Use vine tip cuttings for a second
Boniato crop and prolonged harvest season. Types: moist -flesh (yams) and dry -flesh (e.g.,
boniata). Bush types conserve garden space. Sweet potato weevils are a serious
problem; rotate the planting site.
Pumpkin Big Max, Connecticut Field, Prizewinner, Requires a lot of space but can be grown under taller vegetables. Bees required
Jack Be Little, Jack 0 Lantern, calabaza for pollination. Foliage diseases and fruit -rot are common.
Radish
Cherry Belle, White Icicle, Sparkler,
Champion, Dalkon
Spinach
Melody 3, Bloomsdale Longstanding,
Tyee, Space
Squash
Summer: Early Prolific Straightneck,
Summer Crookneck, Early White
Scallop, chayote
Zucchini: Cocozelle, Spineless Beauty,
Black Beauty, Chayote, Calabaza
Winter: spaghetti, Table King, Table
Queen &Table Ace (Acorn), Waltham,
Early Butternut (butternut)
Strawberry
Chandler, Oso Grande, Sweet Charlie,
Selva, Camarosa, Festival
Swiss Chard
Bright Lights, Bright Yellow, Fordhook
Giant, Lucullus, Red Ruby
Tomatoes
Large Fruit: Celebrity, Heat Wave
II, Better Boy, Beefmaster, BHN444-
Southern Star', Amelia*, BHN 640`,
Tasti-Lee'"
Small Fruit: Sweet 100, Juliet, Red
Grape, Sun Gold, Sugar Snack, Sweet
Baby Girl
Heirloom: Green Zebra, Cherokee
Purple, Eva Purple Ball, Brandywine,
Mortgage Lifter, Delicious
Turnips
Roots: Purple Top White Globe
Greens: Seven Top, Shogoin
Easy and fast-growing; thin early and inter -crop with slow-growing vegetables
to save space. Plant every two weeks during the growing season for a
continuous supply. Spicy, bitter flavor caused by hot weather and over -maturity.
Winter/Oriental radishes (such as Dalkon) also grow well in Florida.
Grows best only during the coolest months. Quick maturing. Harvest entire
plant or by removing outer leaves. New Zealand spinach and Malabar spinach,
although not true spinach, grow well during wane months in Florida. Plant New
Zealand spinach or Swiss Chard for summer greens.
Summer squash and zucchini are usually bush types; winter squash have a
spreading, vining habit. Calabaza is similar, but is a heat -and disease -resistant
hard -shelled squash, similar to a butternut or acorn in taste. Chayote is a vine
that needs support. All cucurbits have male and and female flowers separated
on the plant and pollination by insects is required for fruit set. Crossing between
types occurs, but is only evident when seeds are saved. Leaf and fruit diseases
are fairly common. Winter types store well.
Grown as an annual crop in Florida starting with disease-free plants in the fall.
Plant only varieties adapted to Florida.
Seeds can be sown in the fall as well as in late winter/early spring. An excellent
alternative green for warm weather. Harvest outer leaves when 8-10 inches long.
Very susceptible to root -knot nematodes.
Staking/supporting and mulching are beneficial. Flowers self -pollinate. Blossom
drop is usually due to too high or too low temperatures and/or excessive
nitrogen fertilization. Serious problems include blossom -end rot, wilts, whitefly,
and leafminers. Cherry types are heat resistant
*Resistant to TSWV (Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus)
Quick -growing, cool weather crop. Grow for roots and tops (greens). Broadcast
seed in a wide -row or single file. Thin early to allow for root expansion. Smaller
roots (27 are milder in flavor.
Watermelon Large: Jubilee (aka FL Giant), Crimson Vines require lots of space. Smaller ice-box"types exist. Plant disease resistant
Sweet, Charleston Grey 133 varieties. Bees required for pollination.`Seedless'types must be interplanted
Small: Sugar Baby, Mickeylee with regular types to dependably bear fruit. Harvest when melon underside
begins to turn yellow or when fruit tendril shrivels.
' Other varieties may produce well also. Suggestions are based on availability, performance, and pest resistance.
' Information on New Zealand and Malabar spinach, Calabaza, Chayote, and many other minor vegetables can be found at: httlaWedis.ifas.ull.
edu/topic—minor—vegetables
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide 10
Table 3. Products currently labeled for insect and mite management in home vegetable gardens.
Pest Neema° Spinosa&d BN° Carbaryld Malathion Pyrethroids° Soapy Hort. Imidaclopridd Acetamipridd
Oil"
Aphids X X X X X X
Armyworm X X X
Bean leafroller X X X
Cabbagelooper X X X X
Colorado X X X
potato beetle
Corn earworm/ X X X
fruitworm
Cowpea X X X
curculio
Cucumber X X X X X
beetle
Diamondback X X
moth caterpillar
Flea beetle X X X X X
Leafminers X
Leafhoppers X X X
Melonworm, X X X X
pickleworm
Mexican bean X X X X
beetle
Spider mites X X
Squash vine X X
borer
Stink bugs X X
Thrips X X X
Tomato X X X
hornworm,
pinworm
Whiteflies X X X X X X
An X means the product is at least somewhat effective for controlling the listed pest. (Refer to the active ingredient'on product labels to
determine which pesticide(s) the product contains. Also note the specific vegetables for which the product can be used. Pay close attention to
the waiting period indicated on the label. This is the amount of time that must elapse between pesticide application and harvest.)
'Bacillus thuringiensis
bIncludes bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, cyfluthrin, esfenvalerate, and permethrin. Labeled pests and crops vary by product. Read labels carefully.
Test on a few plants first because of the potential for leaf burn; do not use in hot weather.
dTo protect bees and other pollinators, do not apply this insecticide when the plant is blooming
-Least toxic products
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide 11
(3reen
woi�s
Orlando
r%.P li
1
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BACKYARD COMPOSTING
1
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BACKYARD COMPOSTING
YOUR GUIDE TO
BACKYARD COMPOSTING
WHAT IS COMPOSTING?
Composting is the process of turning kitchen and yard waste into usable,
nurrieut rich suit through natural decomposition. Inside the competitor, organic
waste is broken down through a controlled process by mioo organisms. By
utilizing the wetter material. these micro organisms will create atoll product
that is incredibly nutrient dense and great for your garden plants.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
OF COMPOSTING?
Diverts food and yard waste front
the landfill, leading to reduced
greenhouse gas emissions
• Creates an enriched soil which can
be used in your garden
• Suppresses plant diseases and pats
• Saves you money by reducing the
need for chemical fertilizer
40' of id municipal
2 stream is Q stream se
comprised
at food waste and
yard trimmings. Recycling and
composling are good ways to
keep mateoal out of the landfillL
WHAT IS COMPOSTING?
WHAT CAN YOU 00 WITH COMPOST?
• Amend your garden soil by working
compost into it
• Sprinkle compost on your lawn to
foster healthy and robust it .p
dressing
• Improve she soil around trees and
shrubs by spreading compost near the
base of the tta trunk
A typical household throws
away approximately
474 pounds
of food waste per year.
or 1.3 pounds per person
per day.
WHERE SHOULD YOU PUT
YOUR BACKYARDCOMPOSTER?
• Place 71he Earth Machine on
exposed soil in a dry. shady or
moderately sunny spot drat is
near a source of clan water.
• Use the tbur provided plastic
screws to secure the backyard
composto to the ground.
• Make sure it's convenient to
get to the composter, as you'll
be taking your food waste our
often!
COMPOSTING 101
WHAT CAN I COMPOST?
Composting requires a mix of nitrogen and carbon to create the proper environment for decomposition. Green waste
such as food scraps, bring nitrogen whereas brown waste, leaves and paper products, add carbon to the mix.
GREEN
r
Fruit and vegetables
Crushed egg shells
Tea bags
r I
Grass clippings
Houseplants
Coffee grounds and filters
- 4,04-V
Shredded newspaper
& cardboard
1.� y
y.
�r
Hay, straw, wood chips
Shredded cotton & wool rugs
Nuts, shells, bread, gmins
Yard trimmings, leaves
Dryer & vacuum cleaner lint
Ej
Hair and fur
"NO" LIST
"0)96
Meat, Bones
Fars, grease, lard, oils
w t
Dairy (butter, milk, eggs)
Diseased plants
Charcoal ashes
rr1
Toxic materials
Nonbiodcgradable materials
Car or dog waste, litrnr
STEPS FOR COMPOSTING
HOW 001 COMPOST?
Beginning a home composting project can be easy, fun and educational by
following a dew simple steps:
WASTE TREATMENT
Chop, shred or [car items into
smaller pieres.'This will help speed
up the decomposition process.
KITCHEN COLLECTION
line your container with newspaper
to soak up liquids, and when you
empty the bin into the comlwsrer
she newspaper can go along with id
EMPTY INTO COMPOSTER
Wlsewver the bin is full, simply
empty the container with the
newspaper into The Earth Machine.
Nl ADO YARD WASTE
Cover fresh food waste with a layer
of leaves, ocher dry yard trimmings,
or soil.
STIR AND HARVEST
periodically stir the conminer to
aerate the compost and encourage
decomposition. Aber a few months.
the soil will be ready for harvest.
Your eomposr should be the
moisture ofFa wrung -out sponge.
HARVESTING YOUR SOIL
HOW 001 HARVEST THE SOIL?
Compost ran be harvested after about 4 to G months, You'll know it's ready
worn d¢ soil is a crumbly moist texture and gives of an earthy aroma.
SMALL HARVESTING
Usc the harvea door
at the base of The
Earth Machine and
remove as much soil
as you need using
a shovel or garden
trowel.
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR PILE
Ronan cyy rmdl
Ammon :moll
Pile ds.a nor hens up m
rkcomp.w, dowdy
bunllir;.am air.., m„ mea.
Ta...chniongcn
pikrrosmdll _
lmutTiai res maanuv
Lacko1 unu'.
Nor rnough in
Cold wiarher
LARGE HARVESTING
If you would like to
aeries the whole pile.
simply unscrew the
four anchoring screws
and lift the container
over he pile. Place
any large and inner
food scraps back in
The Earth Machine
m begin the next
composting cycle.
4im pee .,ml lnmq•nmm
wars Frowns (rnwdun, hued
Innnpon,c cogs hmwn.
Add more nrg..ni, mrtmr
Tum pili, end xdd wuccr
Lnorymnm Itvnl cover
I'um pile
Incampila sim„Fimulan
YOUR GUIDE TO
RECYCLING
LOCALLY
The City of Orlando uses single stream recycling, so put all
of your recyclables into the cart! Large boxes can get stuck
and cause recycling to stay in your cart. Break boxes down
so they come out of the cart easily. Items accepted:
Steel, Tin & Aluminum Cans
Paper Cardboard, Dairy &
Juice Containers
sIF
s� _
- - Office Paper, Brown Paper
Plastic Bottles & Containers #1-5, 7
Flattened Cardboard &
Paperboard
Bags, Newspapers
Junk Mail & Magazines
Revistas, correspondencia no
Keep food waste, plastic bags, polystyrene foam cups & containers, aluminum
pans and other plastic film out of the recycling cart. Plastic bags harm recycling
machinery, empty the recycling directly into the cart.
4 ` 'Al Y _.
O
F/y � •
71'6[P���t •' 1
Solid Waste Division, 1028 Woods Avenue, Orlando, FL 32805
407.246.2314 • 8 a.m. — 5 p.m., Monday — Friday
SWcustomersvc@cityoforlando.net • ciryoforlando.net/solidwaste
Build a Burrow Instructions
`n -
Florida
!' Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
n,,
Build a Burrow
Burrow Supply List
• %, " PVC pipe (need 5, 10' long pipes @ 1.75 each = $8.75, Lowe's will cut pipe for free)
o Four 3'pieces
o Seventeen 2' pieces
o Four4' pieces
• Five 4' PEX pipe (bendable white pipe similar to PVC, comes in 5'sections @ $1.78 each = $9)
• Twelve %: inch 90° PVC T -joints ($1.50 each = $18)
• Eight''/: inch regular PVC T -joints ( $0.45 each = $3.68)
• Two % inch straight PVC joints ( $0.36 each = $0.72)
• Eight'/: inch threaded PVC adapters (not needed if T -Brackets are not threaded inside, ( $0.45
each = $3.68) Disregard information on adapters if not needed
• Zip ties (100 ct. _ $9)
• Burlap ( Approximately 13 yards of fabric @ $4 a yard = $52)
• Outdoor carpet ( 13' long X 7' wide @ Lowe's = $40)
• Aluminum wire (1 roll = $3)
• Plant decorations (craft or hobby store such as Michael's or Joann's = $35)
• Commensals (ordered on Amazon.com)
o Aurora Plush Sachet Skunk - $10
o Aurora Plush Bandit Raccoon -$30
o Safari LTD Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake - $17
o Plastic frogs -$14
o Mini Pet Mouse -$8
o Vinyl Snakes - $8
o Big Bunch O' Bugs - $7
0 13" Tortoise Hand Puppet - $18
0 10 Piece set of wild insects - $10
o Giant Microbes Tick -$10
o Burrowing Owl -$39
• Total = $150
• Additional supplies include: Sewing machine, thread, pins, tape measure, and scissors.
Total cost - $320 (cost may vary based on many factors such as location, stores, etc.)
For reference, the images below represent the 3 different types of PVC joints used.
90' T Flat T Straight
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Page 2 of 10
Build a Burrow
Assembly
STEP 1: Construct the front tunnel.
• Locate nine (9) 2' PVC pipes, four (4) 90° T -joints, and six (6) flat T -joints.
• Each side of the tunnel will consist of 4 2' pipes connected with either a 90 degree or a flat
T -joint and a single pipe connecting each side at the entrance of the burrow (See Figure 1
below).
• Once all the 2' PVC pipes are connected, install the 5 PEX pipes.
o Bend the PEX pipe prior to joining with the frame of the tunnel to minimize the amount
of bowing that will occur.
Figure 1. Burrow tunnel
90 Degree 1/2 inch
T -Junction
■
Flat l/tion
T -Junction
1/2 inch Flexible PVC
1/2 Inch PVC
Each black pipe is 2
feet long
The red flexible pipe
i54feet long
The open end of the
tunnel with the 2 blue
connectors, connects
to the end chamber
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Page 3 of 10
MMMOV-31INd •.
STEP 2: Construct the end chamber.
• It is best to build the end chamber separately, and then connect to the burrow tunnel to prevent
pieces from coming apart.
• It is easiest to assemble the foundation of the end chamber first, and work your way up.
• The assembled end chamber will be 2' tall, 6' wide, and 4' deep.
• To make assembly easier, refer to the PVC labeling system identified in Figure 2.
o Label each PVC piece with a letter in permanent marker.
Figure 2. End chamber diagram
2 foot pipes 2foot pipes
■Connectors (see •
Connector diagram) (labeled G) (labeled H)
3 foot pipes 4footpipes p;, 2foot pieces
(labeled E) ■(labeled 1) . =- (labeled F)
Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission Page 4 of 10
Build o Burrow
STEP 3: Figure 3 illustrates the location of each PVC joint placement.
• Please note, 90° T -joints located at the entrance to the end chamber, are the same joints
that are attached to the tunnel.
o This is where the end chamber and tunnel will connect.
• Again, if all of your joints are not threaded (meaning, do not cork -screw inside) you will not
need the adapters.
o Adapters are needed to connect a threaded joint, to a smooth pipe, disregard if you
do not need adapters.
• Connect the end chamber to the tunnel.
• Once the end chamber and tunnel are connected, you should have used all of the pipes and
joints.
Figure 3. PVCjoint placement
■degree
Tq
T -junctions
(labeled J)
Straight
junctions
(labeled K{
FlatTqunctions
(labeled L)
Adapters
(labeled M)
All connectors are 1/2
inch in diameter
Adapters may not be
needed if the 90
degree T-junction is
not threaded on all 3
sides )we were unable
to find that at our local
Lowes)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Page 5 of 10
Build a Burrow
Covering the Burrow
Now that all of the pipes have been assembled, the burrow shape should be apparent. Covering the
burrow frame can be as simple or difficult as you chose to make it (*this is where creativity comes in).
STEP 4: Tailor the burlap to the burrow frame.
• First cover the tunnel with the fabric.
• To fit the burlap on the burrow easily, 2 separate pieces are recommended.
STEP 5: Measure the tunnel; It should be just over 8' long and 4' in diameter.
• Depending on how wide your fabric is, you may need to sew two pieces of burlap together
lengthwise to cover each side of the burrow.
• Burlap is easily frayed, so you will need to hem all of the rough edges once it is cut to the size
you want.
• To keep the fabric on the burrow, we recommend creating a pocket that the front entrance PEX
pipe AND the last PEX pipe can slide through (like a curtain rod), as seen in the image below.
This will securely attach at the front and end of the tunnel structure.
Figure 4. Creating a pocket for the tunnel opening
STEP 6: Now that the tunnel is covered, cover the end chamber.
• To start you will need 3 pieces of fabric that are 9' long (the burrow is 2' tall (front) +4' across +
2' tall (back) + extra fabric for hemming edges).
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Page 6 of 10
Build a Burrow
• Next, sew those 3 pieces together, length wise (along the 9' side) to create a very large sheet of
burlap.
o Drape the burlap over the end chamber (with the edges that are sewn together facing
outwards).
o Pin the burlap on each corner to fit it to the frame, and sew a line from the top corner to
the bottom corner.
o Hem all edges.
o Turn burlap inside out, so the sewn edges are now on the inside of the burrow.
STEP 7: Conned the tunnel to the end chamber.
• Cut out a portion of the burlap that covers the entrance to the end chamber (again be sure to
hem this edge so the fabric does not fray).
• Use the zip -ties to conned the last PEX pipe to the entrance of the end chamber (See zip ties in
Figure 5, be sure to cut the ties to remove when disassembling).
the tunnel and end chamber
7 -PA
STEP 8: Create a burrow exit.
• To facilitate one-way burrow traffic, it is highly recommended that an exit be created.
• Simply cut a straight line through the burlap at the back portion of the burrow, and hem the
edges (see Figure 6).
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Build a Burrow
• Secure the burlap to the frame in a few locations using the zip ties.
o This will hold the burlap in place and alleviate the need for fixing the burrow each time a
group of children crawl through.
STEP 9: Decorate the burrow.
• We use aluminum wire to tie the commensal species to the burlap, twist ties would also work
• Attach the plants along the outside of the burrow for decoration.
STEP 10: Test it outl
o For kids of all ages and for the kid at heart!
'Orange "Gopher Tortoise" cones can be ordered from:
SC Supply Company LLC (SCSupply.com); Phone: 1-800-640-1843
The cone costs approximately $15.00 each + shipping.
Specs: Item #R570032CT3M6-c-28" 7LB Orange, Black Base Traffic Cone with 6" reflective collars;
"Gopher Tortoise" Stencil on file.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Page 8 of 10
Build a Burrow
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Page 9 of 10
Build o Burrow
Os -
**Meow, ; \
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Page 10 of 10