October 6–9, 2002 Westin Innisbrookconference.ifas.ufl.edu/compost/abstract.pdf · Westin Innisbrook Palm Harbor, Florida Hosted by: Project #0208. i W elcome to the 4 th Composting

Program and Abstract Book

October 6–9, 2002 Westin Innisbrook

Palm Harbor, Florida

Hosted by:

Project #0208

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Welcome to the 4th Composting in the Southeast Conference and Exhibition. The program committee building on the success of earlier conferences has structured a program that is informative, challenging and exciting. The program balances the latest in the science of composting and beneficial use with new technology that can improve the efficiency of recycling organics. It is imperative that we succeed with developing the infrastructure for organics recycling as they are the largest portion of the waste stream. This conference is unique in that it brings together all the stakeholders in organics recycling, thus giving everyone a comprehensive perspective of the process. Oral presentations will be enhanced by exhibitors displaying the latest advances in technology. Take advantage of their presence and discuss their innovations for learning how they can best benefit you. An exciting field trip includes a visit to the Florida Organics Recycling Center for Excellence (FORCE) where composting, compost research and a spectacular display of equipment can be seen. We are grateful to USDA, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CREES), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for supporting this conference. We thank the committee members, speakers and exhibitors for enriching the program. Dianna Powers of the UF/IFAS Office of Conferences and Institutes, has left no stone unturned in seeking potential participants by delivering conference information in a timely manner. In addition, she and her staff will orchestrate the conference, exhibitions and field trip with great skill and we thank them. An aesthetically attractive, comfortable and relaxing site was chosen for this event, so enjoy! Wayne H. Smith Chair, Steering Committee, Composting in the Southeast Conference and Exhibition Director of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation

Composting in the Southeast Conference and Exposition – Recycle Organics ‘O2

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October 6-9, 2002 z Palm Harbor, Florida

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letter...............................................................................................i

Conference Sponsors .....................................................................................v

Steering Committee ......................................................................................vi

Conference Theme and Objective..............................................................vii

Exhibitors ....................................................................................................viii

Program Agenda...........................................................................................ix

Speaker Abstracts General / Plenary Sessions .........................................................................1

Session A-1: Agricultural Utilization of Compost....................................7

Session A-2: Compost Utilization-Nutrient Sources..............................13

Session B-1: Compost Utilization for Erosion & Sediment Control ....19

Session B-2: Agricultural Production & Economics .............................25

Session C-1: Compost Utilization and Concerns ...................................31

Session C-2: Education and Outreach ....................................................37

Session D-1: Environmental Aspects.......................................................43

Session D-2: The Business of Composting ..............................................49

Session E-1: Marketing ............................................................................53

Session E-2: Case Studies .........................................................................59

Author Index ................................................................................................65

Notes..............................................................................................................67

Resort Meeting Space Floor Plan ..............................................................70


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CONFERENCE SPONSORS GU�WbQdUVe\\i�QS[^_g\UTWU�dXU�ce``_bd��Y^f_\fU]U^d�Q^T�Y^dUbUcd�_V�_eb�c`_^c_bc�Q^T�`QbdYSY`QdY^W�_bWQ^YjQdY_^c*�

• University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

• Florida Organics Recycling Center for Excellence (FORCE)

• Board of County Commissioners Sumter County, Florida

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• United States Environmental Protection Agency (U. S. EPA)

• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)


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STEERING COMMITTEE

Garry Breeden, Public Works Director, Sumter County FL, Bushnell, FL

Bob Broom, President, RKB Enterprises, Inc., Norfolk, VA – Exhibit Coordinator

Bill Carney, W. A. Callegari Environmental Center, Louisiana State University Ag Center, Baton Rouge, LA

Bill Carter, Watershed Management Team MC 147, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Austin, TX

Craig Coker, Vice President, Mountain Organic Materials, LLC, Candler, NC

K. C. Das, Dept. of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Georgia, Driftmier Engineering Center, Athens, GA

Gregory K. Evanylo, Professor and Extension Specialist, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

Mitch Kessler, President, Kessler Consulting, Inc., Tampa, FL

Rhonda Sherman-Huntoon, Extension Solid Waste Specialist, Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

Aziz Shiralipour, Associate Director and Associate Scientist, Center for Natural Resources, University of Florida, IFAS, Gainesville, FL – Program Chairman

Davy Simonson, Environmental Scientist, USEPA, Region 4, Solid Waste Program, Atlanta, GA

Wayne H. Smith, Director and Professor, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, IFAS, Gainesville, FL – Conference Host

Chris Snow, Hillsborough County Solid Waste, Management Department, Tampa, FL – Field Trip Organizer

Ex-officio

Dianne Powers, Office of Conferences and Institutes (OCI) , University of Florida Leadership and Education Foundation, Inc. (UFLEF), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Gainesville, FL – Conference Coordinator

Ann Marie Summitt, Project Administrator, Kessler Consulting, Inc., Tampa, FL


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CONFERENCE THEME AND OBJECTIVE Composting in the Southeast Conference and Exposition is a biennial event providing individuals and entities involved in composting with practical information on the science of composting, facility planning and design, regulations, economics, marketing, utilization, and other relevant and timely issues. The conference is a collaborative event planned by universities, industries and federal, state and local governments to represent both public and private interests in composting. A trade show and facility tours further enrich the conference agenda. The purpose of this conference is to disseminate knowledge and information concerning composting in the southeast. Our goal is to provide participants with an update in the latest scientific and technological advances in all aspects of composting.

Researchers, educators, technologists and entrepreneurs will reveal new technologies, report case studies, identify successful education programs and share successful experiences. Equally important, this conference provides an opportunity for participants to establish new contacts, share common concerns and maintain a regional network.


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EXHIBITORS

• Amadas Industries

• Bandit Industries, Inc

• Brown Bear Corp.

• Global Odor Control

• Growing Solutions, Inc.

• Knight Industrial Division

• Midwest Bio-Systems

• Morbark, Inc.

• Pioneer Machinery LLC

• Plastics Solutions, Inc.

• Powerscreen of Florida

• Roto-Mix

• SCAT Engineering, Inc.

• SmithCo Side-Dump Trailers

• US Compost Council

• U.S. EPA

• U.S. EPA Climate & Waste

• Woods End Research Lab


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PROGRAM AGENDA

Sunday, October 6, 2002

1:00PM-6:00PM Registration Office Open

1:00PM-4:30PM Vendors Set-up Exhibit Booths (Stirling Hall East)

6:00PM-7:30PM Early Bird Social in Exhibit Hall (Stirling Hall East)

Monday, October 7, 2002

7:30AM-5:30PM Registration Office Open

7:45AM-8:45AM Early Morning Refreshments in Exhibit Hall (Stirling Hall East)

OPENING GENERAL SESSION (Stirling Hall West) Moderator: Wayne Smith, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

8:45AM-10:00AM Welcome Address — Susan Latvala, Pinellas County Commissioner, District 4, Clearwater, FL

Trace Elements and Beneficial Use of Organic Resources — Rufus L. Chaney, USDA-ARS-Animal Manure; Sally L. Brown, University of Washington, Seattle, WA and Byproducts Lab, Beltsville, MD; Allen P. Davis, University of Maryland, College Park, MD; James A. Ryan, US-Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH; Urszula Kukier, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

10:00AM-10:30AM Refreshment Break in Exhibit Hall (Stirling Hall East)

PLENARY SESSION (Stirling Hall West) Moderator: Aziz Shiralipour, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

10:30AM-12:00AM The Organics Revolution of 2002 — Mitch Kessler, President, Kessler Consulting, Inc., Tampa, FL

US Composting Council Market Development Initiatives — Ron Alexander, R. Alexander Associates, Inc., Apex, NC

Florida’s Organics Recycling Initiative-FORCE -- Garry Breeden, Sumter County Public Works Department, Sumter County, FL; Wayne Smith, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; Francine Joyal, Department of Environmental Protection, State of Florida

12:00PM-1:30PM Lunch Provided in Exhibit Hall (Stirling Hall East)


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Monday, October 7, 2002 (continued)

CONCURRENT SESSIONS A

SESSION A-1: AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION OF COMPOST (Stirling Hall West) Moderator: Bob Rynk, BioCycle/Compost Science and Utilization Journal

1:30PM-3:00PM Cabbage Production on Sand with Shredded Yard Waste and Reduced Irrigation Rates — Alexander A. Csizinszky, University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Bradenton, FL

Improving the Quality of Bell Pepper Transplants and Increasing Yield by Amending Transplant Growing Substrate with Compost — Darbie M. Granberry and Juan Carlos Diaz-Perez, University of Georgia, Department of Horticulture, Tifton, GA; Peter Germishuizen, Gromor Organics Inc., Tifton, GA

Yield Differences and Economic Implications of Compost, Poultry Litter, and Fertilizer Amended Soils — C. A. Sherony, G. K. Evanylo and J. W. Pease, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences and Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Blacksburg, VA

3:00PM-3:30PM Refreshment Break in Exhibit Hall (Stirling Hall East)

SESSION A-2: COMPOST UTILIZATION-NUTRIENT SOURCES (Salons A, B & C) Moderator: Donald Rockwood, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

1:30PM-3:00PM Water Quality Effects of Compost, Manure, and Fertilizer Use for Vegetables — G. K. Evanylo, C. A. Sherony and G. L. Mullins, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Blacksburg, VA

Availability of Poultry Litter Compost P to Fescue — Lawrence J. Sikora, USDA-ARS, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Availability and Plant Uptake from Soil Treated with Composted and Uncomposted Poultry Litter — T. J. Tworkoski, P. R. Adler, L. J. Sikora and F. Takeda, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service; D. Ferrier, Hood College, Frederick, MD; P. L. Preusch, Hood College and University of Maryland, College Park, MD



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Monday, October 7, 2002 (continued)

CONCURRENT SESSIONS B

SESSION B-1: COMPOST UTILIZATION FOR EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL (Stirling Hall West) Moderator: Peter Stoffella, University of Florida, Institute of Food and

Agricultural Sciences

3:30PM-5:00PM Ryegrass Growth Response to Various Compost and Mulches — M. Minkara, L. M. Risse and B. Faucette, Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Erosion Control & Terraseeding Demo — C. Richard Weaver, Florida’s Mulch Express, Director of Alternative Markets, Tampa, FL

SESSION B-2: AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION & ECONOMICS (Salons A, B & C) Moderator: Gregory Evanylo, Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University

3:30PM-5:00PM Compost Utilization for Forest Crops in Florida — D. L. Rockwood, D. R. Carter, G. R. Alker and D. M. Morse, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Cost-Benefit of Composted Municipal Wastes as Mulches for Citrus in Florida — Jim Graham and Ron Muraro, University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, FL; Andy Pike, Blue Goose Growers, Ft. Pierce, FL

Composting Animal Manures -- Is It Environmentally Friendly? — P. B. DeLaune and T. C. Daniel, University of Arkansas, Dept. of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, Fayetteville, AR; P. A. Moore, Jr. , USDA-ARS, PPPSRU, Fayetteville, AR, J. L. Lemunyon, USDA-NRCS, Grazing Lands Institute, Ft. Worth, TX

6:00PM-7:30PM Welcome Reception on Garden Lawn


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Tuesday, October 8, 2002

7:30AM-5:30PM Registration Office Open

7:30AM-8:30AM Early Morning Refreshments in Exhibit Hall (Stirling Hall East)

CONCURRENT SESSIONS C

SESSION C-1: COMPOST UTILIZATION & CONCERNS (Stirling Hall West) Moderator: Bill Carney, Louisiana State University

8:30AM-10:00AM Effects of Compost Amendment on Concentrations and Extractability of Heavy Metals, Nitrate, and Phosphate in Peat-based Containerized Media — Y. P. Xia, M. K. Zhang and X. E. Yang, Zhejiang University, Huajiachi Campus, Hangzhou, China; Z. L. He, Zhejiang University, Huajiachi Campus, Hangzhou, China and University of Florida, IFAS, Indian River Research & Education Center, Fort Pierce, FL; P. J. Stoffella and S. B. Wilson, University of Florida, IFAS, Indian River Research & Education Center, Fort Pierce, FL

Prevalence and Fate of Clopyralid in Compost - A Review of Field Evidence and Research Results — Robert Rynk, BioCycle/JG Press, Inc., Emmaus, PA

Compost Utilization and Concern for Plant, Animal and Human Health — Aziz Shiralipour, Center for Natural Resources, Biomass Programs, University of Florida, Gainesville FL


SESSION C-2: EDUCATION & O UTREACH (Salons A, B & C) Moderator: Chris Snow, Hillsborough County Solid Waste (Recycle Florida Today)

8:30AM-10:00AM Teaching Youth about Composting and Organic Waste Management Issues — Jerry Culen, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Training in Production and Utilization of Composted Waste Materials to Improve Soils for Horticultural Cropping Systems — Monica Ozores-Hampton, University of Florida/IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Immokalee, FL; Nancy Roe, Farming System Research, Inc., Boynton Beach, FL; Herb H. Bryan, University of Florida, IFAS, Tropical Research and Education, Homestead, FL

Incorporating Marketing and Public Education Programs into Your Composting Operation to Increase Product Demand — Odis E. Tyler, Texarkana Water Utilities, Texarkana, TX



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Tuesday, October 8, 2002 (continued)

CONCURRENT SESSIONS D

SESSION D-1: ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS (Stirling Hall West) Moderator: Mitch Kessler, Kessler Consulting, Inc.

10:30AM-12:00PM Characteristics of Rainfall Runoff from Biosolids Composting — K. C. Das, M. L. Cabrera and J. T. Kirkland, The University of Georgia, Departments of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and Crop and Soil Sciences, Athens, GA

Initial Water Quality Impacts of Compost and Mulch Blankets in Erosion Prevention Application — L. M Risse, L. B. Faucette and J. W. Gaskin, The University of Georgia Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Athens, GA; M. A. Nearing, The USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Lab, West Lafayette, IN; L. T. West, The University of Georgia Crop and Soil Science Department, Athens, GA

Understanding and Dealing With Odor — Charles M. Alix, Tetra Tech, Inc., Stoughton, MA


SESSION D-2: THE BUSINESS OF COMPOSTING (Salons A, B & C) Moderator: Craig Coker, Mountain Organic Materials, LLC

10:30AM-12:00PM Business Planning for Starting a New Composting Facility — R. Keith Warren, Mountain Organic Materials, LLC, Candler, NC

Composting Business Management — Craig S. Coker, Mountain Organic Materials, LLC, Candler, NC


CONCURRENT SESSIONS E

SESSION E-1: MARKETING (Stirling Hall West) Moderator: To be determined

1:30PM-3:00PM Factors Affecting Compost Markets in Florida — M. Rahmani, C. F. Kiker and A. W. Hodges, University of Florida, Food and Resource Economics Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

University of Georgia Conducts State Composting Assessment and Product Characterization — J. D. Governo, B. Faucette, S. A. Thompson and K. C. Das, University of Georgia, Engineering Outreach Service, Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Athens, GA

Development of National Erosion Control Specifications for Compost — Ron Alexander, R. Alexander Associates, Inc., Apex, NC



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Tuesday, October 8, 2002 (continued)

SESSION E-2: CASE STUDIES (Salon A, B & C) Moderator: Davy Simonson, USEPA

1:30PM-3:00PM A Comparison of Regulatory Approaches to Composting — D. J. Borden, J. W. Gaskin and J. Governo, University of Georgia, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Athens, GA

Design and Performance of a Food Waste Composting Facility — Michael R. Thomas, P.E., EEE Consulting, Inc. Montpelier, VA; W. T. Davis, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, VA

Organic Wastes Recycling: Piloting a Large Grocery Chain — Barnes R. Bierck, Tetra Tech, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC; Dawn Reeves, Ruddick Corporation, Charlotte, NC; Allen Proctor, Harris Teeter, Inc., Charlotte, NC; Eric Wallace, Wallace Farm, Huntersville, NC


PLENARY SESSION (Stirling Hall West) Moderators: Greg Evanylo, Virginia Tech. University; K. C. Das, University of Georgia

3:30PM-5:00PM Group Discussion

5:00PM Session Adjourns (Dinner on your own)

3:30PM-9:30PM TRADE SHOW PARTICIPANTS: Dismantle Exhibit Booths

Wednesday, October 9, 2002

7:00AM-7:30AM Morning Refreshments prior to boarding busses

Tour Schedule:

7:30AM Bus departs Westin Innisbrook Resort

9:30AM-10:00AM Black Gold Composting Facility Tour – animal manure compost company

10:00AM Bus departs Black Gold Composting Facility

10:15AM-11:30AM FORCE Tour – Sumter County Solid Waste Facility (SCSWF)

11:30AM-12:30PM Lunch and Vendor Presentations – door prizes

12:30PM-5:00PM Equipment Demonstrations*

3:00PM First bus departs for Tampa International Airport

3:00PM Second bus departs for Westin Innisbrook Resort

3:00PM Conference Concludes

*For participants with their own transportation, Equipment Demonstrations will be open until 5:00PM.

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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS GENERAL / PLENARY SESSIONS


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Trace Elements and Beneficial Use of Organic Resources Chaney, Rufus L. Sally L. Brown USDA-ARS-Animal Manure University of Washington, Seattle, WA and Byproducts Lab, Beltsville, MD

Allen P. Davis James A. Ryan University of Maryland, College Park, MD US-Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH

Urszula Kukier Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA,

This paper summarizes information on risk assessment for metals (Cd, Pb, As, Zn, Cu, Hg) in compost products used in agriculture or horticulture, and progress in research to develop and demonstrate the use of Tailor-Made Composts to remediate metal phytotoxic soils. Research has increasingly illustrated the role of inorganic adsorption surfaces in composts and biosolids in adsorption of metals in the amendment and in amended soil. In general, hydrous oxides of Fe and Mn with high surface area can persist in amended soils, and limit solubility, phytoavailability, and bioavailability of soil metals including Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, and Pb. We conclude that the ratio of metals to metal adsorption and chelation ability of a compost controls the availability of metals to serve as fertilizers or to cause adverse effects. This relationship supports limiting metals in composts and/or increasing the adsorbents in composts. And such products can be used as effective Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn fertilizers if Fe and Mn are balanced for plant nutrition during addition of adsorbents to composts. Further, high Fe additions to organic products can help limit P leaching and runoff, of increasing importance in soil management. The ability of a Fe and Mn rich compost, biosolids, or manure to adsorb or precipitate soil metals and correct the severe infertility of metal contaminated mine wastes or smelter contaminated land can provide comprehensive remediation of a metal phytotoxic site if sufficient limestone or alkaline byproduct is added to make and keep the site calcareous. The combination of alkalinity, sorption, and plant nutrients reduce solubility of Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu, preventing phytotoxicity and reducing bioavailability of soil metals to animals which ingest soil. Highly effective revegetation of long dead smelter or mine waste killed ecosystems was achieved at numerous locations using the “Tailor-Made” approach. Our ongoing research is learning how to find and use low grade Fe and Mn industrial byproducts to improve and add value to composts. But Fe and Mn industrial byproducts are usually oxides with low surface area and little value in metal sorption or fertilization. We hoped that composting could convert these low value industrial byproducts into compost amendments which limit phosphate solubility, provide persistent metal and P adsorption capacity (Codling et al., 2000), and supply effective fertilizer value; but anaerobic digestion will be required to dissolve byproduct Fe and Mn oxides. Anaerobic digestion and/or composting can be low cost methods to combine different organics and mineral byproducts into soil valuable conditioner/fertilizer products to solve difficult environmental remediation problems. Further, demonstration of the effective use of composts to remediate metal toxic soils illustrates the low potential for metal toxicity from such materials; only extremely low soil pH management can allow Zn and Cu added with composts to comprise risk to sensitive plants, pH levels which are well below those recommended for crop production. Thus improved understanding of the role of constituents in composts and biosolids in adsorption or precipitation of metals has supported development of a highly effective soil remediation technology and a new market for compost products enriched in Fe and Mn. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Rufus Chaney, USDA-ARS, Building 318 BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, PH: 301-504-8324, FAX:301-504-5048, Email: [email protected]


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The Organics Revolution of 2002 Mitch Kessler President, Kessler Consulting, Inc.

During the last two decades of the national recycling movement, solid waste managers have focused their efforts primarily on capturing the residential recycling stream. Residential programs for glass, aluminum, steel, newspaper, and plastics are well-established mainstays of most of our county’s municipal recycling programs. The focus on these traditional materials has paid valuable dividends, and residential recycling is currently recovering an average of about 15% of the waste stream.

In the 21st century, per capita waste generation rates are expected to inch higher, available landfill space will likely continue to shrink, and pressures to improve recycling rates will escalate. While improvements in the residential recycling rate are possible, mainly through improved collection and processing technologies, further increases will be much more difficult to achieve. Stated another way, the “low hanging fruit” has been harvested, and additional increases in recycling rates will most likely be slow and incremental.

These factors are converging to make organics the most promising fraction of the waste stream for recovery. Estimates suggest that over 30% of the nation’s MSW stream is comprised of yard waste, food waste, and unrecovered paper, and these materials promise the greatest potential return for recycling dollars. To capitalize on this potential, solid waste managers must prepare to meet several important challenges to successful organics recovery.

• Diverse Organic Feedstocks: Potentially recoverable organic feedstocks include a wildly diverse list of materials including yard waste, animal manure, biosolids, food waste, municipal solid waste (MSW), and a variety of industrial wastes.

• Diverse Generators: Unlike residential generators, organics generators may be widely scattered and frequently generate only one type of organic feedstock; they cannot be serviced by the same routes and equipment, and their service needs vary greatly.

• Undeveloped Infrastructure The organics recycling industry is still in its infancy. Organics recycling is experiencing a rapid learning curve and the normal growing pains associated with an emerging industry.

To overcome these challenges and prepare for the coming organics revolution, solid waste managers must help create partnerships among state and national industry associations, university-based organics researchers, and state and local regulators to educate themselves, the private sector and the public sector about the benefits of organics recycling and to develop the necessary infrastructure.

Successful organics recycling depends upon a revolutionary approach. Rather than approaching organics feedstocks as a disposal issue, solid waste managers must view organics recovery as an opportunity to create value-added products. This shift in approach is essential to develop quality standards and produce organics products to satisfy existing market demand.

The presentation will examine the history of waste diversion, project trends, and suggest action items to overcome existing barriers in order to maximize organics diversion. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Mitch Kessler, Kessler Consulting, Inc., 14620 N. Nebraska Ave. Bldg. D, Tampa, FL 33613, Phone: 813-971-8333, Fax: 813-971-8582, Email: [email protected]


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US Composting Council Market Development Initiatives Ron Alexander R. Alexander Associates, Inc., Apex, NC

The US Compost Council (USCC) has been actively working to improve the distribution and marketability of compost products generated throughout the U.S. Some of its market development related initiatives have been started only recently, while others have been pursued for several years. During this presentation, updated information will be provided on the following initiatives: 1) Seal of Testing Assurance Program (STA) - the USCC’s compost testing and information disclosure program which uses uniform testing and sampling protocols. Currently, almost 70 composting facilities (products) and 1.8-1.9 million cubic yards of compost are under certification in the Program, 2) AAPFCO - the USCC has been involved in the development of SUIP #25, ‘Standards for Heavy Metals in Fertilizers’, and has been working to develop a Uniform Compost Bill, 3) State Department of Transportation Initiative - the Composting Council Research and Education Foundation project to promote compost use in state 'roadside' applications. Other related initiatives will also be discussed. Corresponding Author Contact Information: R. Alexander Associates, Inc., 1212 Eastham Drive, Apex, NC 27502, USA, Ph: 919-367-8350, Fax: 919-367-8571, Email: [email protected]


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Florida’s Organics Recycling Initiative-FORCE Garry Breeden Sumter County Public Works Department, Sumter County, Florida

Wayne Smith Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida

Francine Joyal Department of Environmental Protection, State of Florida

The Florida legislature recognizing the dominance of organics in the waste stream and the need to achieve equity in recycling this component, established the Florida Organics Recycling Center for Excellence (FORCE). The center, headquartered in Sumter County, takes advantage of the synergism from creating a partnership that captures the experience of the County, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Garry Breeden and Wayne Smith are Co-directors and Francine Joyal is the Project Manager. The mission of the center is to provide a framework to promote organics recycling and research in a statewide effort to streamline compost processing, demonstration, marketing and education in Florida. To accomplish its mission project tasks have been defined as: research organic feedstocks from agricultural, municipal and industrial sources; develop a wide range of organic products for end-use markets; promote and shepard integrative feedstock technologies and marketing; create a statewide infrastructure and centralize organics research, demonstration, marketing and education. The program receives guidance form a Technical Advisory Group, with representative stakeholders in organics recycling. They assist in targeting programs to high priority tasks. A Scientific Advisory Committee identifies key environmental measures to monitor. FORCE makes use of a new rotating drum digester and a 40-acre demonstration/research farm located at the Sumter County waste management facility. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Garry Breeden, Director, Sumter County, Public Works Department, 319 East Anderson, Bushnell, FL 33513


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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS SESSION A-1: AGRICULTURAL

UTILIZATION OF COMPOST


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Cabbage Production on Sand with Shredded Yard Waste and Reduced Irrigation Rates

Alexander A. Csizinszky University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Bradenton, FL, USA

In Spring (Feb.-Apr.) 2001, cabbage (Brassica oleracea, Capitata Group, cv. Tastie) was grown in Eau Gallie fine sand with the full-bed polyethylene mulch - micro- (drip-) irrigation system. Experimental design was a split-plot, replicated three times. Main plots were two irrigation rates, 100% and 60% of the previous day’s evapotranspiration. Sub-plots were four shredded yard waste rates: 0, 5, 10, and 15 tons per acre (acre= 8712 linear ft of mulched bed). The yard waste, that had a C:N of 32.2:1.02 was applied in a band in the center of the pre-bed below the microirrigation tubing. Pre-plant applied dry fertilizers included 88 lbs N, 70 lbs P205 and 121 lbs K20 per acre. During the 61-day long season the crop also received 35 lb N and 35 lb K20 from an injected liquid fertilizer. Highest yield, 532-50 lb crates per acre, was recorded with 60% irrigation and 5t per acre yard waste and lowest yield, 394 crates per acre, with 60% irrigation and no yard waste. In the leaves, N and K concentrations were higher (P<0.05) while B concentrations were lower with than without yard waste. In the soil, residual concentrations of K increased with yard waste applications. Corresponding Author Contact Information: A. A. Csizinszky, University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 5007 60th St. E., Bradenton, FL 34203, USA, Phone: 941-751-7636 x 235, Fax: 941-751-7639, Email: [email protected].


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Improving the Quality of Bell Pepper Transplants and Increasing Yield by Amending Transplant Growing Substrate with Compost

Darbie M. Granberry and Juan Carlos Diaz-Perez University of Georgia, Department of Horticulture, Tifton, Georgia

Peter Germishuizen Gromor Organics Inc., Tifton, Georgia

A study was conducted during the summer and fall of 2000 to determine the feasibility of using on-farm-produced compost in commercial production of bell pepper in South Georgia. Seed of bell pepper cultivar X3R Wizard were planted in plastic flats on June 24. Transplants were grown in a grower’s greenhouse using (1) commercial transplant growing substrate routinely used to grow bell pepper transplants and (2) the same substrate amended (20% by volume) with on-farm-produced, high quality compost. Compost-amended substrate significantly increased transplant height and stem diameter. In addition, at fifty-one days after seeding, leaf area, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight and plant height were significantly greater for transplants grown in compost-amended substrate. At first harvest, seventy days after transplanting, the plants grown in compost-amended substrate produced twice as many marketable fruit as transplants grown without compost. After weights of all marketable peppers (for the four harvests) were combined, transplants grown in compost-amended substrate yielded 20% more than plants grown in non-amended substrate. In the spring of 2002, a follow-up study was conducted to determine the effects on transplants of amending the transplant growing substrate with various rates of compost including the 20% rate used in 2000. The same substrate used in 2000 was amended with 0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% compost. Six weeks after seeding, plants grown in substrate amended with 0% and 10% compost had lower root dry weights, fewer leaves per plant, and were shorter with smaller stem diameters. Eight weeks after transplanting, plants grown without any compost had significantly less shoot and root dry weights. Although not significantly different from higher rates, the 20% rate resulted in the greatest shoot dry weight and root dry weight. Plants grown in substrate amended with 0% or 10% compost were shorter, however, plants grown with 20% compost had significantly larger stems. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Darbie Granberry, Horticulture Department, University of Georgia, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA, 31793, USA, Phone:229-386-3906, Fax:229-386-3356, Email: [email protected]


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Yield Differences and Economic Implications of Compost, Poultry Litter, and Fertilizer Amended Soils

C. A. Sherony, G. K. Evanylo and J. W. Pease Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences and Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Blacksburg, VA

The value of compost to improve soil properties and supply plant nutrients has been documented, but farmers are hesitant to substitute compost for synthetic fertilizers or manures because the economic benefits have not been well quantified. A study was established at the Northern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Education Center in Orange, Virginia in November, 1999 to develop agronomic data for economic analysis of compost use. Eight treatments included: 1) unamended control, 2) annual low compost rate, 3) annual low compost rate + supplemental fertilizer, 4) annual agronomic N compost rate, 5) biennial agronomic N compost rate, 6) biennial agronomic N compost rate + supplemental fertilizer, 7) annual agronomic N poultry litter rate, and 8) annual agronomic fertilizer rate. Crops grown were pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo Var. Magic Lantern) in 2000, sweet corn (Zea Mays L. Var. Silver Queen) in 2001, and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum Var. Aristotle) in 2002. Treatments did not affect soil microbiological properties and water infiltration, but soil bulk density and porosity were improved by the high compost rate. The annual agronomic nitrogen (N) rate of compost increased plant available N, soil phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations, and cation exchange capacity with time compared to the control, low compost rate, and infrequent agronomic N compost rate treatments. Pumpkin yield did not respond to treatment because residual soil fertility was high. Treatments that supplied the most plant available N produced the highest sweet corn yields. Comparison of yield responses during the first two growing seasons demonstrated that little benefit results from low annual compost rates in the short term and a one-time large compost application elicits few residual beneficial effects. Improved estimates of plant available N from compost are required in order to promote its use as a source of plant nitrogen. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Caroline Sherony, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 427 Smyth Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0403, USA, Phone: 540-231-1497, Fax: 540-231-3075, Email: [email protected]


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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS SESSION A-2: COMPOST

UTILIZATION-NUTRIENT SOURCES


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Water Quality Effects of Compost, Manure, and Fertilizer Use for Vegetables

G. K. Evanylo, C. A. Sherony and G. L. Mullins Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Blacksburg, VA, USA

State and federal water quality regulatory and educational agency personnel are unsure of how to credit the use of compost in nutrient management planning because the effects of compost on water quality have not been well quantified. The objectives of this research are to compare the effects of compost, manure, and inorganic fertilizers on soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) bioavailability, soil properties that impact water quality, and water quality variables. The study was initiated in 1999 at the Northern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Education Center in Orange, Virginia. Eight treatments included: 1) unamended control, 2) annual low compost rate, 3) annual low compost rate + supplemental fertilizer, 4) annual agronomic N compost rate, 5) biennial agronomic N compost rate, 6) biennial agronomic N compost rate + supplemental fertilizer, 7) annual agronomic N poultry litter rate, and 8) annual agronomic N, P, and potassium (K) fertilizer rate. Crops were pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo Var. Magic Lantern) in 2000, sweet corn (Zea Mays L. Var. Silver Queen) in 2001, and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum Var. Aristotle) in 2002. The effects of treatments on soil carbon (C), N, and P concentrations; soil leachate nitrate N; and runoff volume and sediment, C, N, and P concentrations were measured. Treatment effects on soil properties were negligible in the first year but were noticeable by the second season. Soil organic C, total N, and available P were highest in the plots that received the annual high applications of compost. Nitrate N was mineralized from the compost more slowly than anticipated, as assessed by the presidedress soil nitrate test in 2001. The concentrations of nitrate-N that leached below the tillage zone were not different among the agronomic N compost and poultry litter treatments, the fertilizer treatment, and the control, which illustrates that an accurate estimation of plant-available N is more important than the source of the N. Rainfall simulation data will demonstrate effects of treatment on surface water quality. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Gregory Evanylo, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 421 Smyth Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0403, USA, Phone: 540-231-9739, Fax: 540-231-3075, Email: [email protected]


16

Availability of Poultry Litter Compost P to Fescue

Lawrence J. Sikora USDA-ARS, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD

Phosphorus-based nutrient management requires that all sources of P materials added to fields including manures are accounted for in crop production plans. Nearly 13% of U. S. broiler production in the US occurs in the Mid Atlantic region generating 720,000 tons of manure annually. Use, treatment or manure disposal options are important issues in dealing with large volumes of manure and transforming the manure to compost and utilizing it off-farm is one viable utilization option. A study to evaluate plant available P in poultry manure compost (PMC) as compared to triple super phosphate (TSP) was conducted in a growth chamber using fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb). Phosphorus amendments from 0 to 150 mg P kg -1 soil were added to Sassafras soil (typic Hapludults). Fescue was harvested three times during a 84-day study and clippings as well as roots and crowns at the termination were analyzed for P content. Cumulative fescue clippings dry weight was the same for both TSP and PMC and did not change with increased P application from 0 to 150 kg P ha-1 soil. These data suggest that the Sassafras soil was not deficient in P and that the N application rate which was constant across all P treatments determined yields. Cumulative phosphorus uptake also was the same for PMC and TSP and but, in this case, was linearly related to P application rate. At the 84 day harvest, greater P uptake was recorded for 100 and 150 kg PMC- P ha-1 rates than for all other treatments which suggested that organic compounds in the PMC may be blocking adsorption sites and /or releasing soluble P with time. Phosphorus uptake by roots and crowns was approximately equal to cumulative P uptake of clippings. Statistical analysis indicated no effect of P source or rate on P uptake by roots and crowns, but only two of four replicates were harvested. Because PMC was equal to TSP in supplying P to fescue, composting of poultry manure appears not affect P availability in the same manner as it does N. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Lawrence, Sikora, USDA-ARS,Bldg 001: BARC-West,10300 Baltimore Ave.,Belstville, MD 20705, Phone: 301-504-9384, Fax: 301-504-8370, Email: [email protected]


17

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Availability and Plant Uptake from Soil Treated with Composted and Uncomposted Poultry Litter

T. J. Tworkoski, P. R. Adler, L. J. Sikora and F. Takeda U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service

D. Ferrier Hood College, Frederick, MD USA

P. L. Preusch Hood College and University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA.

Large amounts of poultry manure and bedding (litter) are generated and applied to farmland in the eastern U.S. Manure can provide essential plant nutrients but excess nutrients in soil runoff can cause hypoxia and undesirable changes in aquatic communities. A laboratory experiment determined N and P availability from fresh poultry litter (FPL) and composted poultry litter (CPL) from two sources mixed with a silt loam. N and P uptake were then determined in strawberry plants grown in soil amended with FPL and CPL in a greenhouse. Finally, a field experiment determined N and P availability to peach trees grown with CPL applied as mulch. In the laboratory, N mineralization rates were significantly higher for FPL than CPL, confirming that composting stabilizes N release from litter. However, water-extractable phosphorus (WEP) was similar in soils amended with CPL and FPL, suggesting that WEP availability was not stabilized by the composting process. In the greenhouse experiment FPL and CPL were applied to provide equal total N in soil. Leaf N was greater in plants treated with FPL than with CPL at 6 wk after planting, probably due to higher N mineralization with FPL. After 12 wk, leaf P was greater in strawberry plants grown with CPL than with FPL. Greater leaf P in CPL-treated strawberry plants reinforced the laboratory finding that P was not stabilized by composting. In the field experiment, at 47 weeks after treatment, soil treated with CPL as mulch had significantly greater WEP (30 mg P kg-1 soil) than soil treated with commercial fertilizer (14 mg P kg-1 soil) when both had been applied at the same N-based rate. Together these results indicated that CPL stabilized N but not WEP in CPL-amended soils. Consequently, mismanagement of CPL may be problematic for P release to the environment. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Thomas J. Tworkoski, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Appalachian Fruit Research Station, 45 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA, Phone: 304-725-3451, ext. 390, Fax: 304-728-2340, Email: [email protected]


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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS SESSION B-1: COMPOST UTILIZATION FOR EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL


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A Historical Review on How Compost Helps Reduce Sediment and Prevent Erosion

Rod Tyler Green Horizons, Grafton, OH

University research, private research, field demonstrations, and now commercial use of compost for erosion and sediment control show it works better than most BMP’s available today, yet it continues to suffer an identity crises. Here are the facts after reviewing some of the commonly referenced papers that have been available over the last several years.

University research, private research, field demonstrations, and now commercial use of compost for erosion and sediment control show it works better than most BMP’s available today, yet it continues to suffer an identity crises. Here are the facts after reviewing some of the commonly referenced papers that have been available over the last several years.

Abstract

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the US loses more than 2 billion tons of topsoil each year through erosion. - (USEPA, 1997). The link between soil quality, sediment control, erosion, and eventually water quality has widespread impacts on our sustainable future. Stormwater runoff pollution is 80% of water quality violations in many states and is the first line of defense when it comes to creating proactive, sustainable cultures (Governor Barnes, 2001).

Worldwide, estimates indicate erosion may cost us as much as $400 billion annually. There are literally hundreds of products to control sediment and erosion. Very few commercial products involve the use of compost and the composting industry is suffering from an awareness problem relating to the benefits of compost in environmental applications. One of the main identity problems is credible sources that claim compost works. This article focuses on the review of these papers indicating the effectiveness of the use of compost.

Phase II NPDES will become effective in March of 2003 and promises to deliver some very strong regulations which should favor the use of compost because of its’ proven effectiveness and local availability. Compost is available in every major city in the US. Phase II has several key points, which should be noted - most importantly is that the requirement for a stormwater management plan dropping from five acre minimums to one acre. This potential five-fold increase will immediately have an impact erosion control tools used in the field and on sites that are inspected. Many builders will not be able to get a building or occupancy permit without an approved stormwater management plan. It is important that local permitting agencies recognize that compost can be used as an effective BMP.

Composters should be happy about Phase II because of the opportunity it holds for developing a new market in erosion and sediment control. Erosion prevention (keeping soil from moving off of slopes) is about 90-98% effective when compost blankets are used. Trying to control the mud and sediment once moving (Sediment control) is normally less than 50% effective when using other commercially BMP’s like silt fence, but is more effective when compost filter berms are used. Therefore, compost blankets and berms should become a leading tool, especially for challenging projects.

The effectiveness of Filter berms and Compost blankets are reviewed in this paper and presentation. This builds a basis of science and neutral third party research with generic information about compost that is convincing evidence that compost in general works well as an erosion control technology. Beyond this scientific backdrop, we will present a number of field projects that visually support what the research findings and the technical review have shown in summary. During 2001, we conducted over 100 field projects using compost for erosion control in a total of 18 different states. We will present the best photos of these projects in combination with the data and statistics from the research review. We will also include recent developments in the containments systems being used for compost in commercial developments, which allows compost to be used in direct water flow, where loose compost cannot be used. We will conclude this session with a list of information that is still needed in the research arena, including a prioritized ‘punch list’ of crucial data that may be holding back further development of the erosion & sediment control market for the use of composted products.

Corresponding Author Contact Information: Rod Tyler, Green Horizons, 35481 Grafton Eastern Rd., Grafton, OH 44044, Email: [email protected] or www.filtrexx.com


22

Ryegrass Growth Response to Various Compost and Mulches M. Minkara, L. M. Risse and B. Faucette Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.

The use of compost in the establishment of vegetative cover could potentially benefit the green and the erosion products industries through faster vegetation establishment, reduction in the use of expensive and environmentally harmful fertilizers, and the reduction in water usage. However, research data is lacking on the appropriate compost quality and type that can bring these benefits. Furthermore, the use of organic materials that are more resistant to soil erosion could inhibit vegetation emergence and establishment. To examine grass growth under these conditions, eight different composts originating from various feedstocks (yard waste, chicken litter, biosolids, MSW, vegetable waste), two sizes of mulch products (medium and fine), and two mixtures of compost-mulch were tested and compared to each other along with hydroseed application. The experiment was conducted in 5 gal pots containing an eroded Cecil clay loam soil taken from a construction site. The soil was covered with 1.5 inch of each of the organic media treatments. Perennial ryegrass seeds were broadcast by hand at a rate of 10 lbs per 1,000 sq ft and covered with ½ inch blanket of the corresponding media. The physical and chemical properties of the compost and mulch materials were analyzed and recorded. Ryegrass percentage cover and vegetative biomass were determined at various intervals during the experiment. Results indicated that hydroseeded pots had the best vegetation growth followed by stable poultry litter and biosolids composts. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Mark Risse, University of Georgia, Driftmier Engineering Center, Athens, GA, 30602-1435, USA, Phone (706)542-1210, Fax (706)542-8806, Email: [email protected].


23

Erosion Control & Terraseeding Demo C. Richard Weaver Florida’s Mulch Express, Director of Alternative Markets, Tampa, FL. USA

The foundation for this demo was initiated in March 2001 by a consortium of public and private sector participants. A committee was formed to pursue the FDOT and provide education on the benefits and usage of organics for highway construction and erosion control projects. In September 2001, the committee obtained permission to perform this demo at the Southeast Hillsborough Co. landfill. Organic material was donated by members of the committee to perform this demo. FDOT District 1 engineers cooperated with the committee to insure that this demo was done in accordance with FDOT specifications. The primary purpose of this demo was to demonstrate the benefits and effectiveness of organics for Terraseeding for FDOT projects. Terrraseeding is an innovative process for turf establishment. This process includes a 1” layer of organic growth zone injected with a mixture of annual grass, when permitted by FDOT specifications, Bermuda and Bahia grass followed by an application of starter fertilizer. The material applied will consist of a mixture of bio-solid compost and organic (yard waste) compost, combined with a bio-stimulant mixed into the material This process enhances grass growth and the integration of organics into the existing soil profile insuring long term results and superior turf establishment. Due to the success of the demo and the ensuing FDOT projects, Terraseeding is currently being considered for approval in the revised FDOT specifications, effective January 2003. Ongoing projects by Florida’s Mulch Express have demonstrated that Terraseeding is both proven and cost-effective. As a result of this demo for the FDOT, a new market has been developed for Florida’s Mulch Express. Prior to 2002 and this demo, no market was available for FDOT and erosion control projects. As of this date, over 30,000 cubic yards of composted material have been utilized in this market and Florida’s Mulch Express year end requirement will exceed 100,000 plus cubic yards of composted material. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Richard Weaver, Director, Alternative Markets, Florida Mulch Express, 5712 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33634, PH: 813-673-8711, FAX: 813-414-9910, Email: [email protected] or [email protected]


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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS SESSION B-2: AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION & ECONOMICS


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Compost Utilization for Forest Crops in Florida

D. L. Rockwood, D. R. Carter, G. R. Alker and D. M. Morse School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

Cottonwood (CW, Populus deltoides) and Eucalyptus grandis (EG) are fast growing tree species that can consume high amounts of water and nutrients. In Spring 1998, seven tree species was established on sandhills west of Orlando with four silvicultural treatments: effluent (E), E plus compost (EC), E plus mulch (EM) and E plus compost plus mulch (ECM). In August 2000, EG, the most productive species, had 119% more biomass than CW. EM increased yields by 131%, EC by 76%, and ECM by 158% compared to E. After the third growing season, EG again more than doubled the CW biomass. Both mulch and compost increased the production of all species by providing additional nutrients and suppressing weed growth. Biomass production, a critical factor controlling uptake, removed up to 534 kg N ha-1 and 198 kg P ha-1. Nevertheless, higher nutrient uptake due to improved growth on compost amended soil did not compensate for the nutrients supplied by effluent, resulting in considerable N leaching. One to 2-year-old CW trees transpired between 2 and 17 mm of water day-1, or between 20,000 - 170,000 l ha-1 day-1; EG transpiration may be higher. EG‘s superior productivity has obvious environmental values, as well as potential economic implications. While EG as landscape mulch has potential to generate significant returns to the landowner, its energywood production may be even more profitable. Compost amendments increased the productivity of cypress in several studies by dramatically improving soil nutrition and properties. Corresponding Author Contact Information: D. L. Rockwood, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, 118 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Box 110410, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0410, USA, Phone: 352-846-0897, Fax: 352 846-1277, Email: [email protected]


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Cost-Benefit of Composted Municipal Wastes as Mulches for Citrus in Florida

Jim Graham and Ron Muraro University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, FL

Andy Pike Blue Goose Growers, Ft. Pierce, FL

Citrus is the most economically important and widely planted crop in Florida, covering about 273,000 ha in central and south central Florida. The center of the citrus industry is within a 100 km radius of a densely populated area of the state that may provide the citrus industry with potentially low-cost composted municipal solid waste and composted urban plant debris (referred to here as composted municipal waste, CMW). Our previous research demonstrated that mulching with CMW consistently stimulates growth of trees in newly planted and established groves. Tree growth and yield responses to mulch treatments range from 20 to 30% in sandy soils with limited nutrient and water holding capacity, typical of the central ridge and coastal flatwoods production areas. Although fresh CMW suppresses Phytophthora nicotianae, the major root rot pathogen of citrus, the activity of the fungus is not suppressed by CMW when it matures. Despite increased pathogen activity, trees in CMW-amended soils perform nearly as well as those in pathogen free soils and significantly better than trees in soils not amended with CMW. The growth response is attributed to greater tolerance to root rot rather than to pathogen suppression per se. Increased disease tolerance may result from enhanced water and nutrient uptake in the mulch layer because trees respond to CMW under a standard tree fertilizer and irrigation programs. CMW utilization by the citrus industry may occur if citrus production managers have quantitative data demonstrating the economic benefit to their production. A cost-benefit analysis in a young grove of Valencia sweet orange reveals that costs of the CMW delivered to citrus operations and its application as mulch with a side-discharge spreader substantially out weigh the benefits of the compost for citrus production, even at reduced rates of CMW. This analysis indicates that the cost of CMW may have to be subsidized by municipalities to some degree before citrus producers will be attracted to its attributes for management of marginal soils. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Jim Graham, University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, Phone: 863-956-1151, Fax: 863-956-4631, Email: [email protected]


29

Composting Animal Manures -- Is It Environmentally Friendly?*

P. B. DeLaune and T. C. Daniel University of Arkansas, Dept. of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, Fayetteville, AR, USA

P. A. Moore, Jr. USDA-ARS, PPPSRU, Fayetteville, AR, USA

J. L. Lemunyon USDA-NRCS , Grazing Lands Institute, Ft. Worth, TX, USA.

Ammonia (NH3) volatilization and phosphorus (P) runoff are two of the biggest environmental problems facing the poultry industry today. Ammonia volatilization is one of the most negative impacts of composting animal manures. Research has shown that aluminum sulfate (alum) and phosphoric acid greatly reduce NH3 volatilization from fresh poultry litter. Alum also has been shown to reduce soluble reactive P (SRP) in poultry litter and runoff water. However, the effect of chemical amendments on composting poultry litter is unknown. The objectives of this study were to measure ammonia losses from composting litter, and to evaluate P runoff, and fescue yields from plots fertilized with composted and fresh poultry litter. Alum, phosphoric acid, and microbial amendments were applied at various rates in two field-scale composting studies. Poultry litter was composted for 68 d in year 1 and 93 d in year 2. Ammonia volatilization was measured daily and total N was measured weekly throughout the composting process. Once the composting process was completed, each type of compost, as well as fresh poultry litter, was applied to plots seeded to tall fescue. Rainfall simulators were used to produce a 5 cm hr-1 storm event. Alum and phosphoric acid reduced NH3 volatilization by as much as 76% and 54%, respectively. Microbial amendments resulted in higher NH3 emission rates for both years. Alum-amended compost reduced SRP concentrations in runoff water by as much as 84%. All other compost applications resulted in higher SRP runoff concentrations than the fresh litter due to lower N:SRP ratios. Because as much as 50% of the initial N was lost during composting, even with chemical amendments, fresh litter applications produced higher yields and greater N uptake. Although an economic analysis was not performed, it is unlikely that composting, even with chemical amendments, is economically beneficial for crop production. Composting high N and P materials, such as poultry litter, increases ammonia emissions and lowers N:P ratios compared to fresh poultry litter, which can lead to increased P runoff . *Mention of a trade name, proprietary product, or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the USDA and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable. Corresponding Author Contact Information: P. B. DeLaune, University of Arkansas, Dept. of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, 115 Plant Science, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA, Phone: 479-575-2354, Fax: 479-575-7465, Email: [email protected]


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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS SESSION C-1: COMPOST UTILIZATION

AND CONCERNS


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Effects of Compost Amendment on Concentrations and Extractability of Heavy Metals, Nitrate, and Phosphate

in Peat-based Containerized Media Y. P. Xia, M. K. Zhang and X. E. Yang Zhejiang University, Huajiachi Campus, Hangzhou, China

Z. L. He Zhejiang University, Huajiachi Campus, Hangzhou, 310029 China and University of Florida, IFAS, Indian River Research & Education Center, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA

P. J. Stoffella and S. B. Wilson University of Florida, IFAS, Indian River Research & Education Center, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the effects of compost amendment on heavy metal mobility and leaching potential of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from peat-based commercial media (containing 70% peat, 20% perlite, and 10% vermiculite) amended with varying proportions of compost (0, 25, 50, 75, or 100%). Compost amendment linearly increased medium pH and concentrations of total organic carbon, copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), but linearly decreased bulk density. There was a quadratic relationship between electrical conductivity (EC), total N, or total P and application rate of compost. The relationship between medium C/N ratio or total Zn and compost rate appeared to be cubic. Extractable P, NO3-N, and NH4-N initially increased with increasing compost up to 50% and decreased with further increasing compost rates. Compost addition increased extractable Cu and Zn, but decreased extractable Pb. However, except for Pb, which tended to decrease with increasing compost rates up to 50%, the difference in extractable Cu and Zn in the media among the different compost rate treatments was minimal. There was no significant effect of compost amendment on extractable Cd concentration in the media. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Z. L. He, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 S. Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34945-3138, USA, Phone: 772-468-3922, Fax: 772-468-5668, Email: [email protected]


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Prevalence and Fate of Clopyralid in Compost - A Review of Field Evidence and Research Results

Robert Rynk BioCycle/JG Press, Inc., Emmaus, PA

The herbicide clopyralid became a composting issue in 2000 when composts produced at two Eastern Washington facilities damaged compost users’ plants. Subsequent investigations determined that clopyralid is pervasive at composting facilities across the state. Although the problem has been most severe in Washington, reports from other states and other countries, from Pennsylvania to New Zealand, confirm that clopyralid is a national and international concern. It has been found in common composting feedstocks including grass clippings, mixed yard trimmings, straw, hay and manure. Clopyralid can damage sensitive plants at very low concentrations -- less than 10 parts per billion. The list of sensitive plants includes many popular agricultural and garden crops including tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, beans, peas and sunflower. Thus, even a small amount of clopyralid in compost prevents the compost from being sold for general horticultural use. There are some indications that clopyralid may persist longer during composting than it does in soils. While this has not been confirmed, there are possible reasons why composting might slow clopyralid decomposition, including the presence of abundant organic matter. In any case, even if there is substantial degradation of clopyralid, enough clopyralid may survive the composting process to leave the compost with damaging levels. Research on improving the degradation of clopyralid via composting has not yielded useful results yet. However, research on uses for clopyralid-tainted compost is showing that the compost can be used safely, either by limiting the application rate or by using the compost only for applications that do not involve sensitive plants. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Robert Rynk, JG Press Inc., 419 State Ave., Emmaus, PA, 18049, U.S.A., Ph: 610-967-4135, Fax: 610-9671345, Email: [email protected]


35

Compost Utilization and Concern for Plant, Animal and Human Health

Aziz Shiralipour Center for Natural Resources, Biomass Programs, University of Florida, Gainesville Florida, USA

Potential users of compost are concerned about the presence of environmentally hazardous components, especially pathogens, heavy metals and toxic organic compounds. This research focused on the uptake of trace elements and toxic organic compounds by certain plants. Compost products were utilized in a field experiment to determine how they affected the growth and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Lollarosa) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea botrytis, var. Brigadeer). Uptake of trace elements and toxic organic compounds were measured at the end of the field experiment to demonstrate that the compost application was safe for plant, animals and human health. Three compost products were selected for this experiment: urban plant debris (UPD), UPD/biosolids (UPD/Bio) and municipal solid waste (MSW). The soil type was Golita loam, a well-drained soil on flood plains and alluvial fans. Compost rates of applications were 0, 37, 74 Mg ha-1. Chemical analyses were performed on soil, compost products and lettuce leaf and broccoli heads at the time of harvest. The trace element content of the composts, including the heavy metals, was much lower than EPA 503 regulation limits. The trace element content of lettuce leaf and broccoli head was below the critical levels for plants, animals and human health. Except for a few toxic organic compounds found in very low concentrations, no other toxic organic compounds could be detected in either the soil or compost products. No PCBs could be detected in the soil or any of the compost products used in these experiments. The toxic organic compounds in some compost products were either not detected in plant tissues or were present in very low quantities. In some cases, more toxic organic compounds were taken up by the plants in control plots, with no compost, than by the plants in compost-treated plots. Although some toxic organic compounds were present in compost products, the plants did not absorb them. No PCBs could be detected in plants grown in control or compost-treated plots. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Aziz Shiralipour, Associate Director, Center for Natural Resources, Biomass Programs, University of Florida, PO Box 110415, Gainesville, FL 32611-0415, Phone 352-392-1511, Fax 352-392-2389, Email: [email protected]


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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS SESSION C-2: EDUCATION AND OUTREACH


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Teaching Youth about Composting and Organic Waste Management Issues

Jerry Culen Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fl. USA

This innovative curriculum and video, Organics: A Wasted Resource, introduces 6-12th grade learners to the techniques of composting, utilization of organic wastes and community based issues focused on waste management. In the curriculum, learners begin with an overview of basic science and recycling concepts relevant to organic waste topics. Phase two introduces several issues that are "dissected" to examine the players in the issue, the player’s beliefs and associated values. This phase presents a method by which the various sides in an issue can be critically reviewed for a more comprehensive understanding of the issue perspectives within a community. In the next phase of the manual, learners are given the opportunity to explore issues in their communities, and to develop investigation techniques, which provide data that are evaluated and applied to an issue under investigation. The last step in the curriculum provides training in skills necessary for learners to take appropriate and positive citizenship actions relevant to organic waste management issues. The intent here is to provide an opportunity for learners to become informed and involved in the decision making process relative to organic waste issues and other environmental problems in their community. The video is designed primarily to support the first two phases of the curriculum. Several activities in the curriculum manual correspond to segments of the video and are designated by a symbol of a video camera. This seventeen-minute video can also be used independently from the curriculum as an introduction to composting and organic waste utilization. A student and teacher/leader edition of the curriculum along with the supplemental video was produced with support from the EPA, Region IV, Solid Waste Assistance Program. This curriculum follows a nationally recognized model that has been well researched and provides strong evidence that supports an increase in positive citizenship behavior when implemented. Additional information related to the instructional model can be found in the teacher edition pp. 118-132. These materials are being distributed through the 4-H Program for use in classrooms, community clubs, and home schools. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Jerry Culen, Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, Box 10225,University of Florida, Gainesville, Fl. 32611, Phone (352) 846-0996, Fax (352) 846-0999, Email: [email protected]


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Training in Production and Utilization of Composted Waste Materials to Improve Soils for Horticultural Cropping Systems

Monica Ozores-Hampton University of Florida/IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Immokalee, FL

Nancy Roe Farming System Research, Inc. Boynton Beach, FL

Herb H. Bryan

University of Florida, IFAS, Tropical Research and Education, Homestead, FL.

Compost is a dynamic system, therefore making recommendations for its use is more complicated than standard fertilizer. The lack of knowledge by agricultural professionals, results in failure to use composts, or mistakes and problems with compost production and use, such as the utilization of immature compost. Two compost training were held in January and March, 2001. A total of 30 people attended the two training sessions. Attendance was limited by space and funding, so potential participants were identified and invited. Attendees included organic and conventional farmers, compost producers, Extension agents, and members of NGO that teach subsistence gardening to families in developing countries. The lectures were used to explain compost principles and the subjects covered included: composting principles and biology, compost site safety, compost quality and testing, compost feedstock, composting rules and regulations, record keeping, and compost utilization on specific crops. During the “hands-on” sessions at the compost facility, participants applied the concepts they had learned by mixing feedstock, sampling composts, and using field tests for compost quality. The comparison of the pre and post-test indicated that there were significant positives changes in the knowledge and attitudes about compost and composting. All the trainees expressed a positive feedback about the overall outcome of the training and many of them are beginning to use compost in their operations or encourage its use by others.

An interesting consensus emerged from discussions at the end of the day: the only thing hindering compost production and use is lack of education of agricultural professionals and consumers. A “train the trainers” program teaching scientifically-based principles of compost production and use can be the seeds for encouraging the use of organic “wastes” from cities and farms as sources for soil improvement for fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crop or plant production. The need to develop sustainable alternative production systems in horticultural crop production is an important goal, and compost made from local waste materials can play a significant role; this is a real opportunity for “closing the loop”. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Monica Ozores-Hampton, University of Florida/IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, 2686 State Road 29 North, Immokalee, FL, 34142-9515, USA, Phone:941-658-3400, Fax: 941-658-3469, Email: [email protected]


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Incorporating Marketing and Public Education Programs into Your Composting Operation to Increase Product Demand

Odis E. Tyler Texarkana Water Utilities, Texarkana, TX

This paper describes the process used to obtain information on the possibility of increasing the production of compost at the Texarkana Water Utilities Compost Facility by first, describing the process used to obtain a class “A” product by meeting the pathogen and vector requirements of the 503 regulations; second, draft a study of the area served to determine present and future markets for the compost industry, and third, advertising our products in a way that the public will accept bio-solids compost. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Odis Tyler, Texarkana Water Utilities, P. O. Box 2008, Texarkana, TX, 75504, 903-798-3860, Fax: 903-792-6423, Email: [email protected]


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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS SESSION D-1: ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS


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Characteristics of Rainfall Runoff from Biosolids Composting K. C. Das, M. L. Cabrera and J. T. Kirkland The University of Georgia, Departments of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and Crop and Soil Sciences, Athens, GA

Composting municipal biosolids in uncovered windrows is a practical recycling option. Rainfall on windrows leads to discharge of runoff from the surface and leachate from the bottom of the windrows. These are important pathways for nutrient and pathogen transport from composting sites. Regulations require the capture of runoff and appropriate treatment. In order to quantify the environmental impact of runoff and to design detention ponds and treatment systems, knowledge of the nutrient concentration as a function of the degree of stabilization of the compost is required. We conducted controlled laboratory experiments to quantify maximum water extractable nutrients, pathogens, and regulated metals from biosolids composts at three stages of stabilization (unstable, partially stable, and completely stable). Results show that water extracts from unstable composts contain large amounts of fecal coliform (13,100 to 19,000 MPN g-1) compared to that from stable composts (6 to 7 MPN g-1). Maximum water extractable C represented 2.7 % of total C. Total N and P extractable ranged from 7.3 to 14.6% of total N and 9.7 to 12.5% of total P in biosolids composts. Direct rainfall on windrows showed that volume of runoff varied depending on level of stabilization, which is likely a result of reduced particle size in stable composts. Corresponding Author Contact Information: K.C. Das, University of Georgia, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Driftmier Center, Athens, GA 30602, USA. Phone 706-542-8842, Fax 706-542-8806, Email: [email protected]


46

Initial Water Quality Impacts of Compost and Mulch Blankets in Erosion Prevention Application

L. M Risse, L. B. Faucette and J. W. Gaskin The University of Georgia Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Athens, Georgia

M. A. Nearing The USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Lab, West Lafayette, Indiana

L. T. West The University of Georgia Crop and Soil Science Department, Athens, Georgia

Control of soil erosion and the nonpoint source pollution associated with it is essential to improving water quality. The use of compost or mulch blankets as a soil cover can not only offer improvements over existing erosion control technologies but may also provide sustainable alternatives to disposal for many biomass resources. To effectively utilize compost and mulch cover to control soil erosion a basic understanding of the relationships between the physical and chemical properties of the cover material and resulting pollutant loads in the runoff will be required. The objective of this study was to investigate the amounts of runoff, erosion, and nutrient losses obtained under simulated rainfall using a variety of compost and mulch materials. This was accomplished using a rainfall simulator on small plots of approximately one square meter that consisted of a bare soil base covered with 5 cm of compost. Treatments included aged poultry litter, three different types of poultry litter compost, municipal solid waste compost, biosolids compost, food waste compost, yard waste compost, three different types of wood mulch, and bare soil. Results indicated that all of the treatments except for aged poultry litter were effective at reducing solids loss in the runoff. Nutrient losses from most of the compost treatments, however, were higher than those from bare soil or mulch treatments. Total solids loss was correlated to the respiration rate of the treatment and the nitrate nitrogen content. Treatments with lower respiration rates and nitrate-nitrogen concentrations tended to have less erosion and transport of solids. Nitrate nitrogen content, respiration rates, soluble salt, sodium, and potassium contents were good indicators of ammonia and phosphorus losses. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Britt Faucette, Engineering Outreach Service, The University of Georgia, Driftmier Engineering Center, UGA, Athens, GA, 30602, US, Ph: 706 542 4768, Fax: 706 542 1886, Email: [email protected]


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Understanding and Dealing With Odor Charles M. Alix Tetra Tech, Inc., Stoughton, Massachusetts, USA

Recycling of organic material is a practice as old as life on Earth. Concentrating these efforts in small areas dates to the beginnings of human agricultural practice. With the development of agriculture with crops and animals were concentrated into smaller areas. The reuse of municipal and industrial biosolids is a much more recent phenomena. The most recent twist to develop in this evolution of recycling is the need to accomplish this vital recycling, without being a nuisance to your neighbors. In general, biosolids production facilities such as Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants, composting operations, farms and feedlots were located in isolated areas. Today this is less so. Agricultural areas are prime development targets. Municipal facilities that are located on or near the borders of cities and towns have commercial and residential development. In the past, agricultural odors were tolerated and recognized as characteristic of farming areas. However, this is starting to change. For municipal and commercial facilities, not designated as farms, this type of protection does not exist. The need for odor control however, does not mean complete capture and treatment of every odor. The level of control depends on many things; type of odor, the time of the odor generation, the type of process being employed, and the proximity to potential receptors. The first step is in understanding the extent of the impacts created. Computer modeling can be used to predict the impact of the odorous practices on the surrounding area. Modeling can allow for selectively treating sources and/or choosing the level of control needed. For example: a mixing operation may be highly odorous, but short-lived, while windrows may produce low levels of odor, but they are large and continuous. Alternative control methods may be as simple as regular incorporation of grass in yard waste windrows with carbonaceous material or dispersion of air from concentrated sources, to more elaborate measures, such as, partial or full capture and treatment of odorous emissions. It is vital to solve odor problems before solutions are imposed on you and your operation. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Charles M. Alix, Tetra Tech, Inc., 1629 Central St. Ste. 3, Stoughton, MA 02072, Phone: 781-344-6446, Fax: 781-344-0907, Email: [email protected]


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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS SESSION D-2: THE BUSINESS

OF COMPOSTING


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Business Planning for Starting a New Composting Facility R. Keith Warren Mountain Organic Materials, LLC, Candler, NC

Surviving and prospering for any new business means bringing value into the marketplace and delivering that value to the customer better than its competition. Several tools will be introduced to help a company evaluate competition in the composting industry, and to help it develop a better competitive strategy than its competition. Knowing the forces that drive competition will help individuals decide on the best way that they can compete. Looking at the different value propositions and understanding customer value in the marketplace will give companies the insight they need to choose a strategy for competing in the marketplace. These decisions about strategy must be made before a new company can develop a business model because the business model is built on a specific competitive strategy. Corresponding Author Contact Information: R. Keith Warren, President, Mountain Organic Materials, LLC, P.O. Box 2440, Candler, NC 28715, (828) 230-1729, fax: (828) 665-8165, [email protected]


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Composting Business Management Craig S. Coker Mountain Organic Materials, LLC, Candler, NC

This paper presents several of the basic considerations of operating a for-profit composting business. Topics include: form of business ownership, company organization and management, production and operations management, management information and recordkeeping, accounting and fiscal management, and marketing and sales. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Craig S. Coker, Vice President, Mountain Organic Materials, LLC, P.O. Box 2440, Candler, NC 28715 USA, Phone: (828) 230-8413, Fax: (828) 665-8165, Email: [email protected]


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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS SESSION E-1: MARKETING


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Factors Affecting Compost Markets in Florida M. Rahmani, C. F. Kiker and A. W. Hodges University of Florida, Food and Resource Economics Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

For a compost market to be established and developed, information on supply and demand is needed. In this study various aspects of supply and demand for compost in Florida and factors affecting potential markets are discussed. Supply of compost is presently provided by organic recycling facilities. Of 75 organic recycling facilities in Florida, 31 facilities produce compost. The majority of compost producing facilities are located in the central and southeast Florida in 19 of the 67 counties in Florida. These 19 counties encompass mostly urban areas with high wastes flows. Since the transportation cost of the bulky compost can raise the delivered price considerably, the location of compost facilities relative to demand locations is an important factor. A recent study surveyed perspectives on compost demand by four groups of potential compost users in Florida: citrus growers, golf courses, landscaping services, and plant nurseries. Survey results show that there is not enough information available to potential compost users on many aspect of compost application. Indications are that compost quality is a factor that the majority of interviewees are concerned about. Cost of compost application, availability, quality consistency, and the benefits of compost application are crucial information needs of potential compost users. To summarize the results, there are three major factors affecting the compost market in Florida: availability, quality and information. For compost to become a more widely used input in agriculture, more information needs to be disseminated and the quality of compost needs to be improved and kept consistent. To facilitate use of compost, a market with balanced supply and demand conditions needs to be established. For this to occur, compost needs to be considered as a commodity that has net benefit for the users rather than a solution to waste disposal and landfill shortages. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Mohammad Rahmani, FRED, IFAS, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL 32611, Ph: (352)392-1881X 315, Fax: (352)392-9898, Email: [email protected]


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University of Georgia Conducts State Composting Assessment and Product Characterization

J. D. Governo, B. Faucette, S. A. Thompson and K. C. Das University of Georgia, Engineering Outreach Service, Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Athens, GA, USA

An assessment of Georgia’s composting infrastructure was conducted in the fall of 2001 and it was found that 38 facilities are composting 553,600 tons of organic waste material each year. Mulching operations were not included in this study. A brief survey completed with the operator during a site visit helped to ensure the highest level of data accuracy possible. Participating in this study were twelve institutions, eight municipalities and eighteen private operations. The primary feedstocks (% of 553,600 tons) for each operation include foodwaste (5.1%), agricultural waste (6.5%), yardwaste (9.0%), animal manure (15.3%), municipal biosolids (28.7%) and industrial wastes (35.5%). The various types of operational permits for composting were compared to facility size and tonnage composted. The assessment also includes a study on the quality of finished compost from each operation. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Jason Governo, University of Georgia, Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department, Driftmier Engineering Center, Athens, GA, 30602, USA, Ph: 706-542-6119, Fax: 706-583-0875, Email: [email protected] or [email protected]


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Development of National Erosion Control Specifications for Compost

Ron Alexander R. Alexander Associates, Inc., Apex, NC

The Recycled Materials Resource Center, at the University of New Hampshire, has sponsored the development of specifications for the use of composted products in erosion and sediment control. The three major objectives of the proposed Developing and Implementing National Erosion/Sediment Control Specifications for Composted Products project are to 1) develop product and usage specifications for the use of compost products in erosion and sediment control, 2) to gain approval of the specifications, as well as their placement in American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing manual, and 3) promote the specifications throughout associated industries. Development of the specifications were completed by gathering and evaluating existing departments of transportation (DOT) and other compost/mulch erosion control specifications, past research and field demonstration data pertaining to the use of compost/mulch materials as both a soil blanket and berm material. The specifications went through industry review through the Project Advisory Board and AASHTO’s Subcommittee on Materials members. The project team is also working closely with this Subcommittee to gain national approval for the specification. The project will also develop a formal information package pertaining to the use of compost/mulch in erosion and sediment control, and distribute it to each state’s DOT. Corresponding Author Contact Information: R. Alexander Associates, Inc., 1212 Eastham Drive, Apex, NC 27502, USA, Ph: 919-367-8350, Fax: 919-367-8571, Email: [email protected]


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SPEAKER ABSTRACTS Session E-2: CASE STUDIES


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A Comparison of Regulatory Approaches to Composting D. J. Borden, J. W. Gaskin and J. Governo University of Georgia, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Athens, GA, USA

Composting regulations are designed to protect the environment and public health; however, regulatory requirements can also encourage or discourage composting. Ideally, composting regulations serve their protective purpose while minimizing unnecessary burdens that affect business planning as well as capital and operating costs. A first step in understanding how regulations affect the composting industry is a comparison of regulatory approaches. This paper summarizes a review of the composting regulations in nine southeastern states (Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia) and four states with active composting programs (California, Maine, Oregon and Washington). Regulatory approaches vary widely from state to state. States that promote composting commonly have well defined tiering systems, but these states have less specific requirements for end use standards and siting. States in the Southeast, in general, do not have defined tiering systems but instead focus on specific end use standards and extensive siting requirements. Corresponding Author Contact Information: D. J. Borden, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Georgia, Driftmier Engineering Center, Athens, GA, 30602, USA, Phone: 706-542-6099, Fax: 706- 542-8806, Email: [email protected]


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Design and Performance of a Food Waste Composting Facility

Michael R. Thomas, P.E. EEE Consulting, Inc. Montpelier, VA

W. T. Davis Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, VA

The Virginia Department of Corrections is undertaking a program to reduce the generation of solid waste at many of its correctional facilities by diverting food waste generated in the kitchens and dining facilities from the waste stream. The food waste is segregated and composted into a useful soil amendment that will be used in landscaped areas and on the Department’s farms. The composting system being used by the Department is an in-vessel unit that regulates the composting environment - temperature, moisture content, and oxygen. This composting unit is the first “in-vessel” unit to be approved by the Virginia DEQ and was permitted as a Permit-By-Rule under Amendment 2 of the Solid Waste Management regulations. By controlling the composting environment the degradation process is controlled and accelerated. Stabilized compost is generated from food waste in a period of approximately 60 to 90 days. Currently, the Department is diverting 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of food waste per day from three of the seven correctional facilities located in Goochland and Powhatan Counties to one composting unit located on the grounds of the Powhatan Correctional Facility. The existing unit is currently running at capacity and to accommodate additional food waste a second in-vessel unit will ultimately be required. The purpose of this paper is to present technical information on composting process and the composting units. This information will include data on quantity of compost produced and compost quality. In addition, economic information will be presented that will include capital costs and projected savings. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Michael Thomas, P.E., Vice President - EEE Consulting, Inc., P.O. Box 354, Montpelier, VA 23192-0354, Phone: 804-883-0016, Fax: 804-883-0018, Email: [email protected]


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Organic Wastes Recycling: Piloting a Large Grocery Chain Barnes R. Bierck Tetra Tech, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC

Dawn Reeves Ruddick Corporation, Charlotte, NC

Allen Proctor Harris Teeter, Inc., Charlotte, NC

Eric Wallace Wallace Farm, Huntersville, NC

We report an approach for assessing the feasibility of recycling organic wastes generated by a large regional grocery chain. It clearly is beneficial to divert grocery wastes from landfilling, and to convert them to useful products. However, creating a successful program requires understanding and addressing all parties’ concerns. Store management must be confident that costs and important issues affecting public health and company image are understood. The recycler (a composter in this case) must appreciate store concerns and transport logistics, and be positioned to financially justify adding food waste recycling to its operations. A program was developed to identify these concerns while conducting a pilot diversion and composting program. The program included acquiring detailed waste (produce and floral) generation data, and information for understanding program costs. The experience gained provides a basis for store management and the recycler to move toward a full-fledged diversion and recycling program. The study, funded by the North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, coupled a large grocery chain, Harris Teeter, Inc., with Wallace Farm, a composter. Harris Teeter, Inc. is ranked among the 100 largest grocery retailers in the United States. Upper-level store management (including environmental, health, and produce managers) worked with their model store and the composter to understand all concerns and hone the pilot diversion program into a successful information- and data-gathering effort. It is hoped that the results reported here will foster further food waste diversion and recycling in and around the study area (Charlotte, NC) and other regions. Experience gained and information gathered during this study will prove valuable for others considering implementing an organics waste diversion and recycling program. Corresponding Author Contact Information: Barnes Bierck, Tetra Tech, Inc., P.O. Box 14409, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, Phone: 919-485-8278 x114, Fax: 419-781-1992, Email: [email protected]


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AUTHOR INDEX Bold number indicates presenting authors.

Adler, P. R........................................ 17

Alexander, Ron............................. 5, 57

Alix, Charles M................................ 47

Alker, G. R. ...................................... 27

Bierck, Barnes R. ............................. 63

Borden, D. J...................................... 61

Breeden, Garry ................................... 6

Brown, Sally L. .................................. 3

Bryan, Herb H. ................................. 40

Cabrera, M. L. .................................. 45

Carter, D. R. ..................................... 27

Chaney, Rufus L................................. 3

Coker, Craig S. ................................. 52

Csizinszky, Alexander A.................... 9

Culen, Jerry ...................................... 39

Daniel, T. C. ..................................... 29

Das, K. C. ................................... 45, 56

Davis, Allen P. ................................... 3

Davis, W. T. ..................................... 62

DeLaune, P. B. ................................. 29

Diaz-Perez, Juan Carlos ................... 10

Evanylo, G. K............................. 11, 15

Faucette, B.................................. 22, 56

Faucette, L. B. .................................. 46

Ferrier, D. ......................................... 17

Gaskin, J. W. .............................. 46, 61

Germishuizen, Peter ......................... 10

Governo, J. D. ............................ 56, 61

Graham, Jim ..................................... 28

Granberry, Darbie M. ....................... 10

He, Z. L. ........................................... 33

Hodges, A. W. .................................. 55

Joyal, Francine ................................... 6

Kessler, Mitch .................................... 4

Kiker, C. F. ....................................... 55

Kirkland, J. T.................................... 45

Kukier, Urszula .................................. 3

Lemunyon, J. L................................. 29

Minkara, M....................................... 22

Moore, Jr., P. A. ............................... 29

Morse, D. M. .................................... 27

Mullins, G. L. ................................... 15

Muraro, Ron ..................................... 28

Nearing, M. A................................... 46

Ozores-Hampton, Monica ................ 40

Pease, J. W. ...................................... 11

Pike, Andy........................................ 28

Preusch, P. L..................................... 17

Proctor, Allen ................................... 63

Rahmani, M...................................... 55

Reeves, Dawn................................... 63

Risse, L. M ................................. 22, 46

Rockwood, D. L. .............................. 27

Roe, Nancy....................................... 40

Ryan, James A.................................... 3

Rynk, Robert .................................... 34

Sherony, C. A. ............................ 11, 15

Shiralipour, Aziz .............................. 35

Sikora, Lawrence J. .................... 16, 17

Smith, Wayne ..................................... 6

Stoffella, P. J. ................................... 33

Takeda, F. ......................................... 17


66

Thomas, Michael R. ......................... 62

Thompson, S. A................................ 56

Tworkoski, T. J................................. 17

Tyler, Odis E. ................................... 41

Tyler, Rod......................................... 21

Wallace, Eric .................................... 63

Warren, R. Keith .............................. 51

Weaver, C. Richard .......................... 23

West, L. T......................................... 46

Wilson, S. B. .................................... 33

Xia, Y. P. .......................................... 33

Yang, X. E........................................ 33

Zhang, M. K. .................................... 33


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RESORT MEETING SPACE FLOOR PLAN

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October 6–9, 2002 Westin Innisbrookconference.ifas.ufl.edu/compost/abstract.pdf · Westin Innisbrook Palm Harbor, Florida Hosted by: Project #0208. i W elcome to the 4 th Composting