Sustainable Landscape Solutions Compost Marketing Workshop www.groundscapesexpress.com 2011 Groundscapes Express, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Mixing Feedstocks
Windrow Turner in motion
Attention to Details Compost Quality is a result of good management practices and attention to the correct ratios of carbon : nitrogen by using and measuring the prescribed feed stocks. The temperatures of the compost piles indicates that the microbes have metabolized the materials, and it is now time to turn the pile and bring oxygen back to the microbes for further digestion.
Temperature Log
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Compost Quality: Compost quality is an important consideration when designing a compost filter sock. Use of sanitized, mature compost will ensure that the compost filter sock performs as designed and has no identifiable feedstock constituents or offensive odors. The compost used in filter socks should meet all local, state, and Federal quality requirements. The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officers (AASHTO) and many individual State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) have issued quality and particle size specifications for the compost to be used in filter berms (USCC, 2001; AASHTO, 2003). The compost specifications for vegetated filter berms developed for AASHTO Specification MP 9 03 (Alexander, 2003) are also applicable to vegetated compost filter socks
Biological Analysis
Parameters a,1,4 Units of Measure a Vegetated Filter Unvegetated Filter Sock b Berm/Sock a ph2 ph units 5.0 8.5 6 8 Soluble salt concentration 2 (electrical conductivity) Example Compost Filter Parameters ds/m (mmhos/cm) Maximum 5 Not applicable Moisture content %, wet weight basis 30 60 30 60 Organic matter content %, dry weight basis 25 65 25 65 Notes: 1 Recommended test methodologies are provided in [Test Methods for the Evaluation of Composting and Compost ]. 2 Each plant species requires a specific ph range and has a salinity tolerance rating. 3 Stability/maturity rating is an area of compost science that is still evolving, and other test methods should be considered. Compost quality decisions should be based on more than one stability/maturity test. 4 Landscape architects and project engineers may modify the above compost specification ranges based on specific field conditions and plant requirements.
Particle size % passing a selected mesh size, dry weight basis - 3 in. (75 mm), 100% passing - 1 in. (25 mm), 90 100% passing - 0.75 in. (19 mm), 70 100% passing - 0.25 in. (6.4 mm), 30 75% passing Maximum particle size length of 6 in. (152 mm) Avoid compost with less than 30% fine particle (1 mm) to achieve optimum reduction of total suspended solids No more than 60% passing 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) in high rainfall/flow rate situations - 2 in. (51 mm), 100% passing - 0.375 in. (10 mm), 10% 30% passing Stability 3 Carbon dioxide evolution rate mg CO 2 C per gram of organic matter per day <8 (same as vegetated)
Windrow Turner in Motion
Watering Piles When Too Dry
Pile Management Compost temperature is monitored daily after windrow formation is complete. Inside and outside temperatures are indicators to tell you how the windrow is doing Check moisture content. If the windrow is too dry you need to add water if it is too wet you need to aerate.
Organic Lawn Care Program
Having the proper equipment and trained crew.
EarthBlanket installed at a very steep slope and with no soil disturbance
EarthBlanket In place Soil Moving
FilterMitt with Rain Garden
Soil Preparation & Top Soil
Blending the Soils
Sustainable Plantings
Compost Planting Soils
Project site designed for habitat restoration
Watershed as a Rain Garden CAPTURE A raindrop where it falls STORE Rainwater to prevent flooding and help plants to grow FILTER Stormwater runoff and pollutants RECHARGE Our waterways and our ancient fossil water supply
Emergency Winter Erosion Control
FilterMitt Biodegrading in Place
FilterMitt Advantages 1. Flexible, conforms to the topography 2. Minimal disturbance for installation 3. Weed free 4. 100% biodegradable 5. Wildlife friendly 6. No soil disturbance during post- construction 7. Contents can be used as a soil amendment 8. Filters sediment 9. Active microbiology degrades toxins 10.Absorbs, holds, filters, and releases stormwater 11.Stackable for use in high flow areas
FilterMitt After Life
Blower service is the most efficient way to spread a uniformly fine layer of EarthBoost.
PowerBoost Mulch is used for Planting Areas
Vegetated compost filter berm. Note sediment on upstream side of berm and clear water on downstream side. Source: S. McCoy, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
FilterMitt Check Dams Dana Hall School, Wellesley, MA
FilterMitt Check Dams in Action Dana Hall School, Wellesley, MA
Downloadable Drawings And Specifications Click on the links below to download Detailed Specs, or CAD files. Detailed Specs Slopes < 2:1 Microbial FilterMitt Sediment FilterMitt Microbial FilterMitt Berm Sediment FilterMitt Berm Microbial PowerBoost Mulch EarthBlanket
CAD Available for Engineer s Plans
Events March 17, 5 to 8:30 p.m. : MA Watershed Coalition's Community Stormwater Solutions Doyle Community Park, Leominster, MA March 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. : Compost Marketing Workshop and Tour Wrentham Developmental Center, 7 Littlefield Road, Wrentham, MA Groundscapes will give talks on "Marketing Principles and Discovering a Niche" Special tour of GEI's Compost Facility at Wrentham Farm from 2:15 to 4 p.m. March 29, Advanced Recycling and Organics Management, A Sustainable Future Mass Recycling and Mass DEP Conference and Trade Show & 11th Annual Organics Summit Boxborough Holiday Inn, 1 Adam's Place, I-495 exit 28.
Naturalized Plantings
Compost Grows Great Looking Plants
Compost Mimics Nature s Patterns