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Composting |
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Composting
Process
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| The U of O composting yard is a nearly 15,000 sq. ft. paved surface located in the north campus. Material is brought in daily by the groundskeepers and is separated by source in staging areas. Processed yard waste is placed in windrows and turned every two to three months. It is continually monitored for moisture, heat, and appearance and generally requires 6 months for decomposition. | ||
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Why Do
We Compost Yard Waste?
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U of O main campus area (about 230 acres) generates an average 175 tons annually in organic waste from plants and turf, half of which is usually leaves raked up in the fall. Previously, only small size materials such as leaves, clippings, and light trimmings were composted while all brush was taken to Lane County Solid Waste Transfer Station at a cost of $50/ton. Starting in November 1996, Rexius Forest Products began grinding the brush on site two to three times per year. This allows nearly all yard waste to be composted, and has improved the quality of the end product.
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The finished composted
material is utilized as a pre-plant soil amendment for trees,
shrubs, annuals, perennials, and bulbs, as well as top dressing
around fibrous rooted plants such as ferns, rhododendrons, and
azaleas. Plants have visibly responded more favorably to our compost
than with previously used commercial amendments. It is estimated
this will reduce the need for commercial fertilizers, improve
soil structure and drainage, enhance root development, reduce
fertilizer leaching, and increase summer drought tolerance. The
resulting improvements to plant health should help reduce pest
infestations. |
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For more information: |
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