innovative uses of compost: erosion control

8/9/2019 Innovative Uses of Compost: Erosion Control

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Innovative Uses of CompostErosion Control, Turf

Remediation, and Landscaping

United StatesEnvironmental ProtectionAgency

EPA530-F-97-043October 1997www.epa.gov

Solid Wasteand Emergency Response(5306W)

1EPA

2Printed on paper that contains at least 20 percent postconsumer fiber.

ompost has been viewed as a valuable soil amendment for

centuries. Most people are aware th at the use of compost is an

effective way to improve p lant growth. Compost-enriched soil

can also redu ce erosion, alleviate soil compaction, and help

control disease and pest infestation in plan ts. These beneficial uses of

compost can increase healthy plant production, help save money, reducethe u se of chemical fertilizers, and conserve natu ral resources.

Comp ost used for a specific pu rpose or with a particular soil type

works best wh en it is tailor-made or specially designed . For example,

compost that is intended to prevent erosion might not provide the best

results wh en u sed to alleviate soil compaction, and vice versa. Techn ical

parameters to consider when customizing a compost mixture include

maturity, stability, pH level, density, particle size, moisture, salinity, and

organic con tent, all of which can be ad justed to fit a specific app lication

and soil type.

Compost Technology to Control Erosion

ccording to the U.S. Departmen t of Agriculture, the United

States loses more th an 2 billion tons of topsoil through ero-

sion each year. Erosion occurs when wind and rain dislodge

topsoil from fields and hillsides. Stripped of its valuable top

layer, which contains man y essential nutrients, the soil left behind is

often too p oor to sustain good plan t growth. Eroded topsoil can also be

carried into rivers, streams, and lakes. This excess sedimen t, sometimes

containin g fertilizers or toxic materials, threatens th e h ealth of aquatic

organisms. It can also comp romise the com mercial, recreational, and aes-thetic value of water resources. As a result, preventin g erosion is essen-

tial for protecting waterways and m aintainin g the quality and

prod uctivity of soil.

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Controlling Erosion in Road ConstructionThe Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), of

the U.S. Department of Transportation and theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recentlyconducted an erosion control demonstration projectthat compared mature yard trimmings compost thatmet FHWA specifications with hydromulch, a sub-stance traditionally used for controlling erosion onroadside embankments. The purpose of the studywas to determine the effectiveness of mature yardtrimmings compost compared with hydromulch inestablishing Fescue grass.

The project site was at a newly constructed inter-section in suburban Washington, DC. Twoembankments with steep slopes were selected.The first embankment had a 2 to 1 slope; the sec-ond had a 3 to 1 slope. A hydromulch/fertilizertreatment also was applied to a section of each ofthe slopes. Adjacent to these sections, 2-1/2 inch-es of mature yard trimmings compost was spread.On the 2 to 1 slope, a small amount of fertilizerwas also applied, while the 3 to 1 slope was leftunfertilized. Fescue grass seed was added and

covered with a thin layer of compost to conceal theseed from birds.

On steep slopes, berm s (moun ds) of comp ost at the top or bottom of slopes canbe used to slow the velocity of water and provide additional protection for receiving waters.

Slope

Rain

Layer of Compost

Compost Berm

2

Field WaterCompost Berm

Controlling Erosion in Constructionand Road Building

Erosion is a naturally occurring process; howev-

er, it is often aggravated by activities such as road

building and n ew construction. At the beginnin g

of some construction projects, all vegetation and

topsoil is removed, leaving the subsoil vulnerable

to the forces of erosion. On steep embankments

along roads and highways, compost can be more

effective than traditional hydromulch at reducing

erosion and establishing turf because comp ostforms a th icker, more perman ent growth d ue to its

ability to improve the infrastructure of the soil.

Dependin g on the len gth an d h eight of a partic-

ular slope, a 2- to 3-inch layer of mature comp ost,

screened to 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch and placed

directly on top of the soil, has been sh own to con-

trol erosion by enhancing planted or volunteer

vegetation growth. On steep slopes, berms

(mound s) of compost at the top or bottom of

slopes can be u sed to slow th e velocity of water

and provide additional protection for receiving

waters. Because of its ability to retain m oisture,

comp ost also helps p rotect soil from w ind erosion

and during droughts.


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Results of the project revealed that compost usedalone produced better results than either of theareas treated with hydromulch or the area treatedwith compost and fertilizer. While the areas withthe hydromulch/fertilizer combination showed quickinitial vegetative growth, the areas treated with onlycompost persevered within 6 months, out-perform-ing the traditional method by establishing a thick,healthy vegetative cover. The growth in the com-post/fertilizer plot was superior to that found in thehydromulch/fertilizer plots. A possible explanationfor compost alone out-performing the area treatedwith compost and fertilizer is that chemical fertiliz-ers often increase soil salinity, which in turn couldnegatively affect the beneficial micro-organisms incompost and inhibit the establishment of healthygrasses.

Photos courtesy of The Federal Highway A dm inistration, Office of

Environm ent & Planning, and Federal Lands Highway Program

Em bankm ent adjacent to new intersection. Top left photoshows hillside before seeding. Photo at right shows grasscover. Compost-treated plot displays darker green color andthicker growth.

Using Compost to RemediateTurf Grasses

roviding safe, un iform p laying surfaces

for recreational activities, such as golf,

football, soccer, and other field sports,

requires intensive turf management.

Recreational turf grasses are subjected to

extensive wear an d tear, making them d ifficult to

man age and highly susceptible to turf diseases,

pests, and soil comp action. To add ress these prob-

lems, turf managers traditionally use a combin atioof fertilizers, p esticides, fungicides, and aeration

techniques that usually result in high costs and

poten tial for negative environm ental imp acts.

Some turf managers are now u sing compost to

replace peat moss in their topdressing application

based on its proven su ccess in su ppressing plant

disease. Compost, when properly formulated,

unlike peat moss, is teeming with nutrients and

micro-organisms th at stimulate turf establishm ent

and increase its resistance to common turf disease

such as snow mold, brown patch, and dollar spot.

For examp le, after 3 years of using compost as a

topdressing, the Country Club of Rochester, New

York, has nearly elimin ated the need for fun gicide

applications for such diseases.

Alleviating Soil Compaction

Soil compaction is another persistent landscape

man agemen t problem, particularly in areas of heav

traffic, such as parks, zoos, golf courses, and athlet

ic playing fields. Comp acted soil imped es healthy

turf establishment by inhibiting the movement of

air, water, and nu trients with in th e soil. Bare soil,

weeds, increased runoff, and puddling after heavy

rains are th e most obvious signs of a soil com-

paction p roblem.

Traditional m ethods for alleviating soil com-

pactionaeration, reseeding, or complete resod-

din gare labor-inten sive and exp ensive, and

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provide only short-term solutions. Some turf man-agers are starting to use comp ost and com post

amended with bulking agents, such as aged

crumb rubber from used tires or wood chips, as

cost-effective alternatives. Incorporating tailor-

made composts into compacted soils improves

root penetration and turf establishment, increases

water absorption and drainage, and enh ances

resistance to pests and disease. Using tailored

comp ost can also significantly reduce th e costs

associated with turf management. Research con-

du cted at a U.S. Air Force golf course in ColoradoSprin gs, Colorado, for examp le, indicated that tu rf

grown in areas imp roved with tailored comp ost

required up to 30 percen t less water, fertilizer,

and pesticides than turf treated conventionally.

Greening the Links

The U.S. Army Golf Course Operations Divisionat Fort George Meade, Maryland, and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency began a 3-yearpilot demonstration in 1995 to determine the effec-

tiveness of compost amended with crumb rubberin alleviating soil compaction, erosion, and turf dis-ease problems. The golf course superintendent esti-mates that using compost technology would savenearly $50,000 a year in maintenance costs.

At th e U.S. A rmy Golf Course at Fort George Meade,Maryland, erosion can clearly be seen on the untreated rightside of the path, while rubber amended compost is helpingkeep erosion in check on the left.

What Are the Benefits of UsingCompost?

Soil Enrichment:

Adds organic bulk and humus to regeneratepoor soils.

Helps suppress plant diseases and pests.

Increases soil nutrient content and waterretention in both clay and sandy soils.

Restores soil structure after reduction ofnatural soil microbes by chemical fertilizer.

Reduces or eliminates the need for fertilizer.

Combats specific soil, water, and air problems.

Pollution Remediation:

Absorbs odors and degrades volatile organic

compounds. Binds heavy metals and prevents them from

migrating to water resources or beingabsorbed by plants.

Degrades, and in some cases, completely elim-inates wood preservatives, petroleum products,pesticides, and both chlorinated and nonchlori-nated hydrocarbons in contaminated soils.

Pollution Prevention:

Avoids methane production and leachate

formation in landfills by diverting organics forcomposting.

Prevents pollutants in stormwater runoff fromreaching water resources.

Prevents erosion and silting on embankmentsparallel to creeks, lakes, and rivers.

Prevents erosion and turf loss on roadsides,hillsides, playing fields, and golf courses.

Economic Benefits:

Results in significant cost savings by reducingthe need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Produces a marketable commodity and alow-cost alternative to standard landfill coverand artificial soil amendments.

Extends municipal landfill life by divertingorganic materials from the waste stream.

Provides a less costly alternative toconventional bioremediation techniques.

Photo courtesy of U.S. A rmy, Fort George Meade, Maryland


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Mature yard trimmings compost amended withcrumb rubber was incorporated into compactedsoils at 13 different locations around the two golfcourses. Many of the selected sites included areasadjacent to, or at the end of golf cart paths, onslopes surrounding greens, or in tee boxes. Thesesites were selected because of their susceptibilityto compaction and erosion caused by heavy trafficand water runoff. The compost mixture was tilledinto the soil to a depth of about 3 to 5 inches andthen uniformly seeded. To act as a control, one ofthe plots was amended only with crumb rubber.

In the first year of the pilot, course operators report-ed that healthy, green turf grass took hold at most ofthe sites, with no signs of compaction or erosion.Results were particularly impressive in eroded ditch-es along cart paths. The areas treated with the com-post mixture showed full growth of turf grasses andtotal abatement of erosion, whereas the plot amend-ed only with crumb rubber showed few signs ofimprovement.

Using Compost inLandscaping Activities

up plies of h igh-quality, low-cost top-

soil are declining, particularly in urban

areas where the demand is greatest.

Compost is, th erefore, becoming p artic-

ularly important in applications requir-

ing large amounts of topsoil. Increasingly,

comp ost is being used as an alternative to natural

topsoil in new construction, landscape renova-

tions, and con tainer gardens. Using comp ost inthese types of applications is not only less

expensive than purchasing topsoil, but it can

often p rodu ce better results wh en trying to estab-

lish a healthy vegetative cover.

After a lawn or garden h as been established,

main taining it can be a challenge for both hom e

gardeners and commercial landscape contractors.

While aeration, topd ressing, and chem ical fertil-

izer applications are some of the techniques com-

monly emp loyed in land scaping applications,

comp ost can be a successful alternative. When

used as a topdressing, or periodically tilled into

the soil, compost can stimulate plant growth,

reduce p ests and plant infestation, and improve

soil structu re.

Comp ost is also an effective landscap ing

mu lch. Placed over the roots of plan ts, compost

mulch conserves water and stabilizes soil tem-

peratures. In addition, compost mulch keeps

plants healthy by controlling weeds, providing a

slow release of nutrients, and preventin g soil lossthrough erosion. Landscapers and gardeners also

use compost as mulch because its dark, rich

color accents the vibrant colors of flowering

plants.

Using amended compost

can significantly reduce

the costs associated with

turf management.

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To meet these special needs, the school decidedto use a tailor-made mature compost blend,chosen because its bulk density is much lighterthan soil-based mixes. The compost mix is alsoextremely absorbent, maintains good drainage,and protects plant roots from climatic fluctuations.

A local compost producer tailor-made a matureyard trimmings compost mixture to meet theprojects specifications. A layer of polystyrenepackaging peanuts was placed in the bottom ofeach planter box to enhance drainage, and a5-foot layer of the compost mixture was placed on

top.

Four years after the project began, the schoolcontinues to use its rooftop garden for a numberof activities, including teaching science classesand gardening methods. The compost has per-formed very well as a growing medium and contin-ues to produce beautiful, healthy plants that boththe students and teachers can enjoy.

Using Compost in Landscape Maint enanceEach year, millions of people visit Point State

Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Heavy trafficand 12 continuous years of chemical fertilizerapplications caused the parks grassy areas tobecome increasingly compacted, eroded, anddepleted of vital nutrients.

After considering several options, park officialsdecided to aerate the grassy areas and apply aspecial blend of mature yard trimmings compostand fire calcined clay. This compost mixture was

designed to alleviate compaction, add nutrients tothe soil, and to improve water-holding capacity.Workers spread a 1/4-inch topdressing of thecompost mixture and then uniformly applied grassseed. Soon after the compost was applied, parkofficials noted that the turf was healthier and thatthe soil no longer exhibited signs of compaction.

Photo courtesy of A gRecycle Inc.

Tailor-made compost was the key to success for the rooftop garden at Pace School in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania.


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United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency(5306W)

Washington, DC 20460

Official BusinessPenalty for Private Use$300

ReferencesCazenas, P. and R.E. Green . 1997. Erosion preven -tion on steep en bankm ents by m ature yard trim -m ings compost comp ared to hydromulch.Washin gton. (In man uscript).

Castagne ro, C. 1996. Conversation with Dr. R.E.Green. Establishm ent of Pace Sch ool RooftopGarden with the u se of tailored, m ature comp ost.

Pittsburgh.

. 1996. Conversation with Dr. R.E. Green.Th e use of m ature comp ost in state park land scapemaintenance . Pittsburgh.

Federal Highw ay Admin istration. 1996. StandardSpecifications For Construction of Roads andBridges on Federal Highway Projects, U.S.Department of Transportation. FP-96, Sec. 713,p.719.

Lincoln , T. Reboundthe New Product TurfManagers Dream A bou t, Jai Tire Industrie s. Denver.

Nelson , E.B. 1992. The biological control of turf-grass d iseases. Golf Course Management.Apri l: 78-90.

Patterson, J. 1994. The successful remediation ofseverely-comp acted soil at th e U.S. ConstitutionGardens . Paper presented at a workshop inWashington.

Wilkinson, J.F. 1992. Applying compost to the golfcourse. Golf Course Managem ent. Apr il: 78-90.

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innovative uses of compost: erosion control

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