| Compost CA will provide the following benefits to users:
- Reduces need for nitrogen and trace mineral fertilizers;
- Is a source of slowly available nitrogen (>25% insoluble);
- Contains macro and micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Mo);
- Increases soil organic matter;
- Improves soil structure;
- Improves moisture retention capacity of the soil;
- Improves seedbed quality and germination potential;
- Improves soil drainage and aeration;
- Improves soil buffering capacity;
- Improves cation exchange capacity; and
- Improves yields of cereal crops and forages.
Recommended Application Rate for Compost to realize macronutrient levels for these Various Uses.
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Turfgrasses (Gardens):
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| Establishment |
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| Soil incorporated |
900 to 2700 |
Incorporates into top 10 to 15 cm of soil. Use lower rate on relatively fertile soil and higher rate on infertile soil. |
| Surface multch |
270 to 300 |
Broadcast uniformly on surface before seeding small seeded species (bluegrass) or after seeding large seeded species (fescues). |
| Maintenance |
180 to 360 |
Broadcast uniformly on surface. On cool-season grasses apply higher rate in fall or lower rate in fall and again in early spring. |
| Sod production when – |
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| Incorporated with soil |
1400 to 2750 |
Incorporates into top 10 to 15 cm of soil. |
| Unincorporated with soil |
2750 to 8100 |
Apply uniformly to surface. Irrigate for germination and establishment. |
| Nursery crops and ornamentals (shrubs and trees): |
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| Establishment |
800 to 3100 |
Incorporate into top 15 to 20 cm of soil. Do not use where acid-soil plans (azalea, rhododendron, etc.) are to be grown. |
| Maintenance |
90 to 225 |
Broadcast uniformly on surface soil. Can be worked into soil or used as mulch. |
| Processed balling |
Use at 50% rate |
Mixes based on compost with bark and soil. |
| Potting soil mixes |
Not more than 1/3 by volume |
Thoroughly water and drain mixes several times before planting to prevent salt injury to plants. Blending materials: peat, sand, vermiculite, perlite, bark. |
| Agriculture |
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| (Annual) |
150 to 250 |
Incorporate into top 10 to 15 cm of soil. Use lower rate on relatively fertile soil and higher rate on infertile soil. |
| (Every 4 years) |
600 to 1000 |
Incorporate into top 10 to 15 cm of soil. Use lower rate on relatively fertile soil and higher rate on infertile soil. |
700 kg per 100 m² is approximately equal to ½ inch depth of compost.
Compost has a bulk density of about 500 kg per m³ at 40% moisture.
Source: Based on USDA publication ARM-NE-6, August 1979.
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