Publications
- Compost Sampling Guideline
The sampling of compost is an essential aspect of process monitoring, quality control, marketing, labeling of product and regulatory compliance. This sampling guide should be used to assess the quality of a finished product. By following these guidelines, the compost facility initiates the first step in participating in the US Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance Program ("STA"). - Erosion Control and Revegetation Fact Sheet
Soil erosion from construction sites can be as much as 10 to 20 times greater than that from agricultural lands. Research reports from academia, the EPA, state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other sources suggest compost can be effective in controlling erosion and managing storm water from construction sites, including road rights-of-way, general construction and land development. - Sports Fields Fact Sheet
One of the keys to establishing a successful sports field is the selection of a good quality soil for the rootzone. Unfortunately, the majority of high school and city park sports fields are currently constructed on native type soils, which may contain excess clay or sand. - Urban Compost Fact Sheet
Compost is an organically rich soil amendment produced by the decomposition of waste materials from landscapes, animal feeding operations, municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and food industries. A properly composted product is dark colored and does not resemble the original parent materials. It is generally composed of 50 to 80 percent hemi-cellulose and lignin, which are stable and slow to decompose plant components. The remaining 20 to 50 percent are water-soluble compounds that soil microorganisms quickly break down. Fully decomposed materials do not tie-up plant nutrients when mixed with soil or produce any undesirable odors. Compost provides a slow release source of nutrients; hence, in the past it was called "black gold" by farmers. - Establishing New Landscapes Fact Sheet
Establishment of a healthy landscape involves more than selecting plants that will thrive in the intended location and climate. Dedicating substantial effort towards soil and landscape preparation will ensure that turf and other ornamental plants are better prepared for long-term healthy growth. The aesthetic value and environmental protection of vegetation, however, is only as good as the landscape in which it is planted. Thus, the best time to amend and/or improve your landscape is before establishing any ornamental plants or turf grass. - Economics of Dairy Manure Compost Fact Sheet
A variety of soil amendment products and potential nutrient sources provide flexibility for agricultural and horticultural systems. However, comparing the cost and value of these different soil amendments is not as simple as it might seem. This fact sheet provides steps to determine the economic feasibility of utilizing dairy compost as an alternative or a supplement to inorganic fertilizers. - Compost Application Fact Sheet
In the past, inefficient application methods have been a major barrier to the increasing use of compost in agriculture and horticulture, but that barrier is rapidly fading. Not only is special equipment becoming available, but compost producers and marketers often provide spreading services in combination with compost purchases. Being more knowledgeable of application equipment increases the value of the compost purchase and allows a user to take full advantage of the benefits of a compost material. The specific application method and selection of equipment depends upon several factors. - Corn Production Fact Sheet
Corn is an important grain crop in Central Texas and the preferred silage crop due to its high yield and high-energy content. Corn silage can yield 20-25 tons of forage per acre based on 35% dry matter content. The kind and amount of fertilizer required for corn grain or silage will depend on the fertility status of the specific field, the cropping program, and whether compost or other organic nutrient sources will be used along with inorganic fertilizer. - Forage Production Fact Sheet
Forage crops make up a significant part of the total agricultural land in Texas and provide a critical food supply for the livestock industry. Most improved forages, such as the improved bermudagrasses, have been selected for their response to fertilizer inputs. Providing an adequate and balanced nutrient supply to these crops is important to produce high yields of quality forage while optimizing economics. The kind and amount of fertilizer required for forage crops depends on the fertility status of the specific field, the management system, and whether compost or other organic nutrient sources are to be used along with inorganic fertilizer. - Specialty Forages Fact Sheet
Forage crops make up a significant part of the total agricultural land in Texas and provide a critical food supply for the livestock industry. Most improved forages, such as the improved bermudagrasses, have been selected for their response to fertilizer inputs. Providing an adequate and balanced nutrient supply to these crops is important to produce high yields of quality forage while optimizing economics. The kind and amount of fertilizer required for forage crops depends on the fertility status of the specific field, the management system, and whether compost or other organic nutrient sources are to be used along with inorganic fertilizer.