Sports facilities and golf courses around the country are using compost to improve the quality of their soil. One of the keys to establishing a successful field/golf course is the selection of a good quality soil for the root zone; however, most of these sport fields are currently constructed on native type soils, which may
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During World War II, labor shortages stretched the nation’s food production system to its limits. Americans were encouraged to harvest their own food by establishing “Victory Gardens” at their own homes. Twenty million Americans answered the call, growing fresh produce that helped the nation prevail through a difficult time. By 1944, historians estimate 20 million
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Growing cannabis in Michigan is now legal. Growers have limited space and high capital investment but there’s also an increasing interest to grow organically. Successful crops depend on high rates of fertilizers and irrigation water to keep plants green and buds big. According to Biocycle magazine, cannabis is often grown indoors under artificial light. Diseases
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The US EPA has designated over 50,000 impaired water body segments in the United States, identifying sediment as the leading source of surface water pollution. In recent years, several agencies and DOTs have published guidance documents for using compost to protect water quality, erosion control, sediment control and post constructions storm water management. DOTs across
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Buildings in the US account for nearly 25% of all the water consumed in this country, 40% of the municipal solid waste, 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions, 30% of all virgin wood and raw materials use, and 40% of all energy use (75% if you include transportation between buildings) according to the US Green
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Have you ever wondered what the big deal about organic matter in soil is? Why do gardeners, landscapers and any person growing grass, food and trees care so much about the soil organic matter (SOM)? Let’s put it simply: If you have kids, you want what’s best for them. You want them to grow healthy
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New planting of lawns: Apply ½” to 1” of compost with seed on new lawns. Lawn will grow faster than hydroseed with less finish leveling work required. Top dress existing lawns: Apply 1/4-inch of compost as top-dressing to improve vigor of existing lawns Planting bed: Add in layers of compost about 2 inches thick in
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Improve soil structure: Compost improves tilth, increases water retention and creates air pockets for plant roots to grow. Plant roots are able to penetrate soil deeply for extended drought resistance and stability. This is essential to the health of microorganisms that live in the soil allowing nutrients to pass from soil into plant roots.
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By recycling your organic waste you are keeping tons of waste out of the landfills and incinerators. What does this mean to you – and the world? The organic materials disposed of in a landfill are the main source of methane (a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming). The organic materials also produce a liquid
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Many landscapers still use peat for some of these applications, forgoing the benefits of compost. While compost and peat both will improve soil tilth and moisture holding capacity, there are many benefits to using compost instead of peat: Compost is cheaper Compost provides beneficial microorganisms to the soil-food web. Compost provides nutrients to the soil
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