Events and New
myhreEvents
Compost Facility Operator Training, October
Training and certification for Compost Facility Operators, Managers, and officials involved with Composting. Hands on composting, field trips, examination.
Washington State University - Puyallup
Organic Farming Systems and Nutrient Management
Earth Tub Composter
myhreEarth Tub Composter Project
Earth Tub Composters are small on-site composting systems that can be used to recycle food waste from school lunch programs or smaller businesses into compost. This reduces garbage volume and costs while providing an education on recycling for students. Compost produced can be used in landscaping or sold to employees and student families. While the Earth Tub no longer made, check out the similar ♣ Earth Cube which is also from Green Mountain Technologies.
♣ Earth Tub Composter Blog Archives.
♣ Crestwood Elementary School Earth Tub Project.
♣ Seattle Times Article on Crestwood Elementary School’s Earth Tub Project.
Compost
myhreCompost and Nutrient Management
Overview:
Composting stabilizes organic wastes, reducing nutrient availability, allowing their use at high application rates as a soil amendment. Composts do affect available nutrient levels in soil, often causing short term immobilization (tie-up) of nitrogen, but a long term slow release. We have evaluated effects of compost applications on nitrogen availability and soil properties.
♣ Compost Operators Training at WSU Puyallup: Training and certification for Compost Facility Operators, Managers, and officials involved with Composting. Hands on composting, field trips, exam.
♣ Yard Trimmings. Yard trimmings are organic materials such as lawn clippings, leaves, and pruned material that is applied, without any processing, directly to soil to be amended.
♣ Compost Analysis. How to sample and prepare your compost to send to a laboratory for analysis, how to choose a laboratory, how to decipher laboratory results.
♣ Food Waste Compost Earthtub Composting Project. Small on-site composter used to compost school lunch program food waste as well as educate students.
♣ Calculating Compost Bulk Density. How to calculate bulk density of composts and compost- type materials such as manures and yard waste.
♣ Clopyralid in Compost. Facts and background about the Clopyralid contamination problem.
♣ Compost Mixture Calculator. The Compost Mix Calculator version 2.1 is an Excel xls spreadsheet (for computers) or an Online App (for tablets or phones) that calculates compost mixture C:N ratio and moisture content, based on the analysis of your feed stocks and the mixture proportions that you choose. You can use the spreadsheet or App to evaluate the effects of different feedstock mixtures on C:N ratio and moisture content of the initial pile. The Excel file version also calculates material bulk density and free air space.
Links:
♣ Oregon State University Department of Crop & Soil Science, compost resources.
♣ Washington State Department of Ecology, Composting, Siting and Operating Compost Facilities in Washington State publication, & other publications and resources.
♣ Washington Organic Recycling Council, information, training, events.
♣ The Art and Science of Composting, (pdf) Univ. Wisconsin-Madison
♣ Cornell Composting, educational materials, programs, links.
Extension Publications:
♣ Interpreting Compost Analyses (PDF/HTML-Online), Sullivan, D.M., A.I. Bary, R.O. Miller, and L.J. Brewer. 2018. Oregon State University Extension Bulletin EM9217. Compost can return nutrients and organic matter to the soil, a proven practice for soil health enhancement. This publication focuses on selecting a lab to perform compost analyses, determining which compost analyses are most relevant to your needs, assessing whether compost is sufficiently stabilized, and avoiding over application of composts high in soluble salts or composts with a pH unsuited to your crop.
♣ Backyard Composting (PDF-Online), Cogger, G., D.M. Sullivan, A. Bary. 2017. Washington State University Extension Bulletin EB1784E.
♣ Washington State Compost Educator’s Guide (Request pdf e-copy), Wescott, H., A. Bary, C. Cogger, C. Sullivan, and A Mack. Washington St. Univ. The purpose of the guide is to: provide consistent, science-based information about residential composting and vermicomposting for use in Washington State, assist compost educators in creating training events such as workshops, and inspire a clear vision for home composting as a cornerstone of sustainable living.
Research Publications:
♣ Urban Highway Roadside Soils and Shrub Plantings are Enhanced by Surface Applied and Incorporated Organic Amendments (Request pdf e-copy). Bary. A. R.L. Hummel, and C. Cogger. 2016. J. Arbor. Urban Hort. 42:418-427.
♣ Fate of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance During Digestion and Composting: A Review (Request pdf e-copy). Youngquist, C.P, S.M. Mitchell, and C.G. Cogger. 2016. J. Environ. Qual. 45:537-545. doi:10.2134/jeq2015.05.0256
♣ Antibiotic Degradation During Thermophilic Composting (Request pdf e-copy). Mitchell, S.M., J.L. Ullman, A. Bary, C.G. Cogger, A.L. Teel, and R.J. Watts. 2015. Water Air Soil Pollut. 226:13.
♣ Soil and Redosier Dogwood Response to Incorporated and Surface-Applied Compost (Request pdf e-copy). Cogger, C., R. Hummel, J. Hart, and A. Bary. 2008. Hortsci. 43:2143–2150.
♣ Comparison of a Gas Detection Tubes Test with the Traditional Alkaline Trap Method to Evaluate Compost Stability (Request pdf e-copy). Benito, M, A. Masaguar, A. Moliner, C.G. Cogger, and A.I. Bary. 2005. Biol. Fertil. Soils 41:447-450.
♣ Potential Compost Benefits for Restoration of Soils Disturbed by Urban Development (Request pdf e-copy). Cogger, C.G. 2005. Compost Sci. Utiliz. 13:243-251.
♣ Nitrogen Availability Seven Years After a High-Rate Food Waste Compost Application (Request pdf e-copy). Sullivan, D.M., A.I. Bary, T.J. Nartea, E.A. Myhre, C.G. Cogger, and S.C. Fransen. 2003. Compost Sci. Util. 11:265-275.
♣ Food Waste Compost Effects on Fertilizer Nitrogen Efficiency, Available Nitrogen, and Tall Fescue Yield (Request pdf e-copy). Sullivan, D.M., A.I. Bary, D.R. Thomas, S.C. Fransen, and C.G. Cogger. 2002. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 66:154-161.
♣ Fertilizer Nitrogen Replacement Value of Food Residuals Composted with Yard Trimmings, Paper, or Wood Wastes (Request pdf e-copy). Sullivan, D.M., S.C. Fransen, A.I. Bary, and C.G. Cogger. 1998. Compost Sci. 6(1):6-18.
♣ Slow-Release Nitrogen From Composts: The Bulking Agent is More Than Just Fluff (Online abstract with pdf chapter or ebook available for purchase). Sullivan, D.M., S.C. Fransen, A.I. Bary, and C.G. Cogger. 1998. p. 319-325. In: S.L. Brown, J.S. Angle, and L.W. Jacobs (ed.) Beneficial co-utilization of agricultural, municipal, and industrial by-products. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dodrecht, The Netherlands. [book chapter]
Supercow: Liquid Manure Applicator
myhreSupercow: A Liquid Manure Applicator for Small Plot Research
A.I. Bary, D.M. Sullivan, S.C. Fransen, and C.G. Cogger
2001. Agronomy J. 93:1344-1345.
(♣ PDF of full article-Online)
Small-plot research in manure nutrient management requires accurate manure applicators that are easy to operate and maneuver. Our objective was to design a small-plot liquid manure applicator that could apply variable rates of dairy manure containing up to 60 g kg-1 solids to perennial grass plots while avoiding traffic and compaction on the plots. The applicator consists of a 1000-L fiberglass agitation tank mounted on four load cells, a delivery pump and motor, and a side-mounted boom with four nozzles for manure application, all built onto a wagon and towed by a tractor. The side-mounted boom allows manure application without traffic on the plots. Manure application typically was within 7% of the target rate and had a coefficient of variation ranging from 2 to 17%, measured over a series of rates from 53 to 211 MG ha-1 (wet weight). The precision, accuracy, and ease of operation of the liquid manure applicator met our research requirements. Efficiency of operation could be improved using a larger agitation tank.
Compost Mix Calculator
myhreCompost Mixture Calculator
♣ Download the Compost Mix Calculator, version 2.1 (Excel xls file, for computers)
♣ Get the Compost Mix Calculator (Online, for tablets and phones)
This online App needs to be accessed via our WSU AgWeatherNet system. Being online, it won’t download to your device and you will have to obtain a login as the App is dependent on the AgWeatherNet system for data storage needs.
The Compost Mix Calculator is a spreadsheet or App that calculates compost mixture C:N ratio and moisture content, based on the analysis of your feed stocks and the mixture proportions that you choose. You can use the spreadsheet or App to evaluate the effects of different feedstock mixtures on C:N ratio and moisture content of the initial pile. You can also use the spreadsheet to check if the materials you have on hand will make a suitable mix for composting, or if you need to find different materials or change proportions.
The Excel spreadsheet consists of three different worksheets. The first is a list of typical feed stock characteristics taken from the On-Farm composting Handbook (Rynk et al, 1992), and from data that we have collected at WSU-Puyallup. The second page is the compost mixture input sheet where you enter your feedstocks and change proportions to come up with your own mixture. The third page does the calculations to make the calculator operate. The compost mixture input sheet contains input cells for entering feedstock information, and protected cells that show the calculated results. Enter feedstock information based on your own analyses or data, or use the information provided in the feedstock list. The calculator then calculates the moisture content and C:N ratio of your compost mixture. Mixtures are calculated by volume, not by weight. If you need to convert between weight and volume you can use the bulk density data provided in the feedstock list. You can change the proportions and types of feedstocks in your calculation until you find the desired C:N ratio and moisture content.
Soils & Laboratory Testing
myhreSoils and Soil Testing
How to Collect Soil Samples:
♣ Collecting a Soil Sample (Video-Online). Shows procedure for collecting soil samples for nutrient analysis from a garden or small farm. C.G. Cogger. 2010.
♣ A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens (PDF/HTML-Online). Fery, M. and E. Murphy. 2013. EC 628. Oregon St. Univ. Ext. Serv.
Determining Soil Properties:
♣ Determining Soil Texture by Hand (Video-Online). Learn how to estimate the texture of your soil by working a soil sample with your hand. C.G. Cogger 2010.
♣ Estimating Soil Texture by Hand, Estimando la Texture del Suelo (PDF-Online). Flowcharts, English and Español versions. C.G. Cogger.
♣ Water and Soil: the Sponge Analogy for Soil Moisture (Video-Online). Explains the role of soil pores in water movement and water holding capacity using a sponge as an analogy. C.G. Cogger 2010.
General Soil Information:
♣ Soils of the Puget Sound Area (PDF-Online, use browser’s vertical scroll bar to page through slides). A set of 29 slides that show the major soil types of the Puget Sound area, how they are related to local geology, and their suitability and limitations for different types of land use. C.G. Cogger.
♣ The Soil Biology Primer (HTML-Online or order hardcopy). A useful guide to the types and roles of soil organisms and soil ecosystems. Many color photos. From the Soil Quality Institute, US Dept. Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The USDA web site:
♣ The USDA website has a wealth of information on soil types, classification, maps, soil quality, state soils, soil uses, etc. A new addition is on-line access to county soil surveys. This is a work in progress; some counties have the complete survey available on line, while others are only partially done.
♣ State Soil Surveys or ♣ Soil Survey Online Interactive.
♣ Field Indicators and National and State Lists of Hydric Soils in the United States.
Analytical Testing Laboratories:
WSU does not provide testing, but the following databases list a big selection of laboratories for testing of soils, water, air, composts, plants, fertilizers, etc, for nutrients, diseases, chemicals, contaminants, etc. These links are not WSU verified sources of information. Listing dos not imply endorsement.
♣ Analytical Laboratories Serving Oregon (PDF/HTML Online). Andrews, S., D.L. Walenta. C.S. Sullivan, L.V. Henderson, and L.J. Brewer. 2017. EM8677 Oregon St. Univ. Ext. Serv.
♣ List of Laboratories on The North American Proficiency Testing Program Website (Website Database).
♣ Washington State Department of Ecology Database of Accredited Laboratories (Website Database).
Interpreting Soil Test Results:
♣ Understanding Soil Tests. (PDF Slideshow-Online, 28 slides, use browser’s vertical scroll bar to page through slides). Cogger, C.G.
♣ Soil Test Interpretation Guide (PDF-Online). Horneck, D.A., D.M. Sullivan, J.S. Owen, and J.M. Hart. 2011. EC 1478. Oregon St. Univ. Ext. Serv.
♣ Soil Organic Matter as a Soil Health Indicator: Sampling, Testing and Interpretation. (PDF-Online). Sullivan, D.M., A. Moore, and L.J. Brewer. 2019. EM 9251. Oregon St. Univ. Ext. Serv.
♣ Soil Nitrate Testing for Willamette Valley Vegetable Production (PDF-Online). Sullivan, D.M., N.D. Andrews, A. Heinrich, E. Peachey, L.J. Brewer. 2019. EM 9221. Oregon St. Univ. Ext. Serv.
♣ Baseline Soil Nitrogen Mineralization: Measurement and Interpretation (PDF-Online). Sullivan, D.M., A. Moore, B. Verhoeven, and L.J. Brewer. 2020. EM 9281. Oregon St. Univ. Ext. Serv.
♣ La Composición y Análisis de Suelos (PDF Presentación de diapositivas, 23 diapositivas, utilizar la barra de desplazamiento vertical del navegador a la página a través de diapositivas). Cogger, C.G.
♣ Silage Corn (Western Oregon) Nutrient Management Guide (PDF-Online). Hart, J., D. Sullivan, M. Gamroth, T. Towning, and A. Peters. 2009. EM8978-E. Oregon St. Univ. Ext. Serv.
♣ Sweet Corn (Western Oregon) Nutrient Management Guide (PDF-Online). Hart, J., D. Sullivan, J.R. Myers, and R.E. Peachey. 2010. EM9010-E. Oregon St. Univ. Ext. Serv.
♣ Post-Harvest Soil Nitrate Testing for Manured Cropping Systems West of the Cascades (PDF-Online). Sullivan, D.M. and C.G. Cogger. 2003. EM8832-E. Oregon St. Univ. Ext. Serv.
Paper-Predicting Nitrogen Availability for Organic Amendments
myhrePredicting Nitrogen Availability for Organic Amendments
♣ Request pdf e-copy
Citation: Gale, E.S., D.M. Sullivan, C.G. Cogger, A.I. Bary, D.D. Hemphill, and E.A. Myhre. 2006. Estimating plant-available nitrogen release from manures, composts, and specialty products. J. Environ. Qual. 35:2321-2332.
Abstract: Recent adoption of national rules for organic crop production have stimulated greater interest in meeting crop N needs using manures, composts, and other organic materials. This study was designed to provide data to support Extension recommendations for organic amendments. Specifically, our objectives were to (i) measure decomposition and N released from fresh and composted amendments and (ii) evaluate the performance of the model DECOMPOSITION, a relatively simple N mineralization/immobilization model, as a predictor of N availability. Amendment samples were aerobically incubated in moist soil in the laboratory at 22ºC for 70 d to determine decomposition and plant-available nitrogen (PAN) (n = 44), and they were applied preplant to a sweet corn crop to determine PAN via fertilizer N equivalency (n = 37). Well-composted materials (n = 14) had a single decomposition rate, averaging 0.003 d-1. For uncomposted materials, decomposition was rapid (>0.01 d-1) for the first 10 to 30 d. The laboratory incubation and the full-season PAN determination in the field gave similar estimates of PAN across amendments. The linear regression equation for lab PAN vs. field PAN had a slope not different from one and a y-intercept not different than zero. Much of the PAN released from amendments was recovered in the first 30 d. Field and laboratory measurements of PAN were strongly related to PAN estimated by DECOMPOSITION (r2 > 0.7). Modeled PAN values were typically higher than observed PAN, particularly for amendments exhibiting high initial NH4–N concentrations or rapid decomposition. Based on our findings, we recommend that guidance publications for manure and compost utilization include short-term (28-d) decomposition and PAN estimates that can be useful to both modelers and growers.
Compost Bulk Density
myhreCalculating Compost Bulk Density
♣ Download a PDF copy of this document.
Procedure for calculating compost bulk density
- With a 1-gallon measuring container, fill a 5-gallon bucket with 5 gallons of water, as the top brim of a “5 gallon bucket” is often more than 5 gallons. Mark this line on at least three places on the inside of the bucket with a permanent pen.
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- Buckets with straight sides (ie diameter at the top of the bucket is the same as the diameter at the bottom): measure height from bottom of inside of bucket to the 5 gallon line, divide this number by 3, and mark the inside of the bucket as above at 1× and 2× this number. For example, if the 5-gallon mark is 13 inches, dividing by 3 will get 4.33 inches, so mark that bucket at 4.33 inches and 8.67 inches.
- If you cannot obtain a bucket with straight sides: find the two intermediate lines by measuring 1 ⅔ gallons (=1.67 gal or 6.31 liters or 1 gallon plus 10 ⅔ cups) then 3 ⅓ gallons (=3.33 gallons or 12.62 liters or 3 gallons plus 5 ⅓ cups) of water into the bucket and marking the inside of the bucket where the water line is at both volumes with a pencil when wet, then a permanent pen when dry.
- Compost used should be representative of the pile. Take handful samples (not large shovel full samples) from several locations in the pile. Dig into pile a couple of feet, do not take from dried-out outer layer of pile unless the pile was just turned.
Fill bucket to the ⅓ line with compost. Drop bucket squarely from approximately 1 foot high to the ground (hard surface) 10 times. Use gravity to drop the bucket, not force.- Fill bucket to the ⅔ line. Drop bucket squarely from approximately 1 foot high to the ground 10 times.
- Fill bucket to the ³⁄₃ (5 gallon) line. Drop bucket squarely from approximately 1 foot high to the ground 10 times.
- Fill bucket again to the ³⁄₃ (5 gallon) line (do NOT drop bucket!) and weigh in pounds.
- Multiply weight of material in pounds (excluding bucket weight) by 40. This is your bulk density, in pounds per cubic yard (lbs/yd³).
Materials Needed
- Compost (or feedstock) pile
- 5-gallon bucket (straight sides preferred)
- Permanent pen marker
- Measuring containers (gallon, cup, liter)
- Scale (pounds)
- Ruler
Clopyralid
myhreClopyralid in Compost
Overview:
Clopyralid is the common name of a long lived herbicide that kills broad-leaved weeds such as dandelions, clover, and thistle. Contamination of yard debris compost with clopyralid emerged as a problem in Washington State in 2000 and 2001 when it survived the composting process and affected garden plants grown in the compost. Clopyralid has since been banned as a home lawn herbicide, removing the risk of contamination of yard debris compost. Because clopyralid is still registered for use on grass hay and some grain crops, the risk of contamination of some animal manures with clopyralid remains.
Information:
♣ Clopyralid in Compost: Questions and Answers for Gardeners and Farmers in Western Washington (PDF-Online), Cogger, C. 2005. Online Brief.
♣ Clopyralid and Compost: Formulation and Mowing Effects on Herbicide Content of Grass Clippings (Request pdf e-copy). Miltner, E., A. Bary, and C. Cogger. 2004. Compost Science & Utilization. 11(4):289-299.
♣ Bioassay Test for Herbicide Residues in Compost: Protocol for Gardeners and Researchers in Washington State (PDF-Online, draft), 2002. Wash. St. Univ., Wash. Dept. Ecology.
♣ Clopyralid in Turfgrass Clippings: Formulation and Mowing Effects on Dissipation (PDF-Online), Miltner, E., A. Bary, and C. Cogger. 2002. Poster Presented at ASA Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, Nov 2002. Reformatted for printout.
♣ Clopyralid: Garden Demonstration Plots (PDF-Online), Cogger, C., A. Bary, and E. Myhre. 2002. WSU Online Research Brief.
♣ Large Pot Greenhouse Trial with Clopyralid-Sensitive Garden Plants (PDF-Online, Final Report). Bary, A., E. Myhre, and C. Cogger. 2002. WSU Online Research Brief.
♣ WSDA Rule Restricting Use of Clopyralid in Washington (see specifically ♣ WAC16-228-1235, ♣ WAC16-228-12351, ♣ WAC16-228-12352, ♣ 16-228-1237, ♣ 16-228-12371 (♣ link to WSDA main website).
Climate Change
myhreClimate Change by Dr. Craig Cogger
Overview:
Climate change is a critical issue that will increasingly affect agriculture, water supplies, ecosystems, human well-being, and economic activity. Although many thousands of scientists across a broad range of disciplines are working on climate related issues, much confusion still exists among the public, media, and decision makers about the science of climate change and the future implications of a changing climate.
This is narrated slide presentation that summarizes the science of climate change and its implications for humans and ecosystems. It is peer-reviewed and written at a lay level so is easy to understand. It is divided into 10 short sections in video format to allow viewing a few minutes at a time.
Links:
♣ Climate Change: Evidence and Causes. An overview from the Royal Society and the US National Academy of Sciences.
♣ What We Know: The Reality, Risks, and Response to Climate Change. The AAAS Climate Science Panel.
♣ National Academy of Sciences Climate Change. The National Research Council video series that explains the current scientific understanding of current climate change and its causes. These are short and easy to understand.
♣ RealClimate: Climate Science from Climate Scientists.
♣ Skeptical Science: Getting Skeptical about Global Warming Skepticism.
