Ben Dyson Earth Supply Ltd Alternative feedstock for sustainable growing media: Compost

What does Earth Supply do? Using compost in growing media Background to composting in the UK The composting process Quality Assurance Regulation Contents

What does Earth Supply do? Earth Supply is working in partnership with UK bio waste recycling Companies to develop and expand markets for good quality products. Currently 20 partner sites in UK producing and rapidly expanding. Earth Supply has developed bespoke specifications to meet end market requirements and ensure product quality.

What does Earth Supply do? Earth Supply specialises in green waste compost derived products that include mulches, soil improvers and bagged growing media.

Using compost in Growing Media What is compost? High quality material derived from composted green waste and manufactured according to a recognised industry standard. Useful levels of natural nutrients, with excellent slow release qualities. High pH of 8 – 8.5 Biologically active which can help suppress plant diseases. Bulk density of 550 – 650 kg per m 3 so can be heavy to handle. Requires significant dilution with other materials in growing media. Quality and specification subject to seasonal variation

Using compost in Growing Media The benefits of using compost in growing media – Nutrient Supply

Using compost in Growing Media The benefits of using compost in growing media – Nutrient Supply Compost contains useful amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash and Sulphur. Magnesium as well as beneficial trace elements. Typically 25 – 30% organic matter aids nutrient holding capacity and limits leaching. Keep a close check on C:N ratios as immobilisation of N can be an issue! Slow release with varying bio availability

Using compost in Growing Media The benefits of using compost in growing media – Nutrient Supply Fig 1. Typical nutrient content of green waste derived compost

Using compost in Growing Media The benefits of using compost in growing media – Disease Suppression

Using compost in Growing Media The benefits of using compost in growing media – Disease Suppression Significant evidence to substantiate that compost can suppress soil- borne diseases. Majority of research has been conducted on vegetables; there is little work on the suppression of diseases of ornamental plants. The mechanism of disease suppression using composts is usually through biological antagonism, although physical and chemical factors, such as pH, can also be involved. Suppression effects in multi purpose media tend to be optimal at an inclusion rate of 20 – 50%

Using compost in Growing Media The benefits of using compost in growing media – Other considerations

Using compost in Growing Media The benefits of using compost in growing media – Other considerations pH is higher than optimal for most growing media applications. The inclusion of compost will improve water holding capacity but with this an increased bulk density. Electrical conductivity can be high in some composts – ask for analysis and think about application. Particle size distribution, moisture content and nutrient content will vary slightly according to the season. Has to be BSI PAS 100 and CQP compliant to be considered a product in England and Wales.

Background to UK composting Each year in the UK we produce approximately 228 million tonnes of waste. (Defra 2013) Landfilling organic waste causes it to degrade anaerobic ally and produce methane which is 23 times more damaging to the environment than CO2.

25 million tonnes of total waste produced could be composted. (Wrap: Realising the Value of Organic Waste 2008) In 2009 the UK bio waste recycling industry processed 5.5 million tonnes of source segregated waste. (WRAP 2011) Background to UK composting

Composting is simple! Plants and animals die, and nature does the rest!

The bacteria that turn organic material into compost need four things: All we do is manage these parameters in a controlled environment – “Bug Farming” Composting is simple!

There is a bit more to it! Finance Planning permission Waste Management Licensing Animal By-Products Regulations Health and Safety at Work Act The list goes on...

Waste Reception Source separated waste only! Restrictions on waste types. Traceability via WTN Strict Waste Acceptance Criteria

Preparation The most important part of the process: Removing contrary materials Shredding Blending Adding moisture

Batch Formation Creating a windrow Size does matter! Batch Traceability Actively managed composting begins

The Actively Managed Process Monitoring temperature and moisture. Record keeping Turning Two or three stages: Sanitisation, stabilisation, maturation

Screening After the stabilisation phase has been completed compost is then graded through a screen. Another opportunity for Quality Control!

Almost Job Done… Finished compost remains traceable via batch number. Frequent testing to ensure product quality But in the eyes of the Regulator this is still a waste…

BSI PAS100: 2011 and CQP In England and Wales compost is only deemed to be a Product if it complies with both BSI PAS100 and the Compost Quality Protocol. Requires Full traceability Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Externally assessed and audited Products manufactured to meet the requirements of specific end markets.

BSI PAS100: 2011 and CQP

Earth Supply Additional Requirements Focus on parameters that are of relevance to specific end use. Greater frequency of testing on parameters such as contamination. Earth Supply staff are visiting and inspecting Sites monthly. Customer specific requirements are also applied.

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