Quality Compost Products

The charactericstics that make up quality compost depend on the type of landscaping application in which it will be used. For example, finer textured compost is necessary for turf topdressing, whereas compost that is used as muclch not only must be weed-seed free but also is typically coarser. Compost that is used for structural soil should be stable as well as low in ammonium-N. In general, soluble salts should be low when compost is used for potted plants or for container media but may be relatively high when compost is used in field applications where it is mixed with soil at lower concentrations.

Compost used near water resource areas should be low in available water soluble forms of nitrogen and phosphorus. Compost with high organic matter content and low clay content is needed for sports fields snd golf courses so as to not adversely affect water infiltration rates. Compost used for erosion control must meet strict particle-size requirements to allow water to pass through while trapping solids.

The partial list of characteristics above describes certain properties that constitute quality compost depending on how it is used. Agresource understand ths importance of suplying compost with the correct properties and thus has earned the reputation for delivering quality compost.

In general, compost in the northeastern United States falls into one of three basic groups. These are Biosolids Compost, Leaf and Yard Waste Compost, and Farm Compost. Agresource offers compost from all three groups.

• Biosolids Compost: Agresource provides Agresoil Compost (from biosolids) from a network of facilities throughout the Northeast choosing the right compost for the landscaping application. Biosolids compost is made from municipal wastewater treatment plant solids adn a carbon source such as leaves, clean ground wood, and sawdust. Agresoil Compost (from biosolids) provides maximum benefit to soil by supplying the highest level of organic matter, nutrients, and beneficial microbes—more than any other compost. Additionally, Agresoil Compost typically enhances drainage and decreases soil bulk density due to the presence of fine wood particles used in the composting process. Agresoil Compost made with pure wood (in the form of sawdust or wood, ground and screened to 3/8" minus) as the only other ingredient(s) is the highest quality and most versatile compost available. For more in-depth information on biosolids compost go to Links and click on NEBiosolids.org.
• Leaf and Yard Waste Compost: Agresource provides Agresoil Compost (from leaf and yard waste) from many facilities in the Northeast. Otherwise known as "green waste" compost, this type of compost is lower in organic matter, nutrients, and beneficial microbes in comparison to biosolids compost. Nevertheless, Agresoil Compost (from leaf and yard waste) significantly improves soil for general landscape applications and is a valuable source of organic matter. The quality of leaf compost can vary from site to site. For example, if not composted properly, it can contain high levels of weed seeds. Leaf and yard compost with more wood in it will enhance drainage. Where poor drainage is a concern, leaf and yard waste compost should be tested at a lab prior to use to ensure that it does not inhibit water infiltration rate. Agresoil Compost (from leaf and yard waste) provides consistent qualtiy.
• Farm Compost: Agresoil Compost (from farm waste)) is sold from a network of farms throughout the northeastern U.S. In general, compost made on farms is quite variable from one farm to the next. The ratio of bedding to farm manure causes significant differences in organic matter content and nutient levels. When little bedding is used, the compost will be dense and soil-like. In contrast, if a high amount of bedding is used, it will be low in nutrients, but high in organic matter. Agresoil Compost (from farm waste) can be used in a wide range of landscape applications. It is always important to know the type (general category), the source, and any additional ingredients in compost. Agresource provides a product description and a compost analysis of all of its Agresoil Compost products.