HOW TO USE COMPOST

Organic matter is vital to productive soils and healthy plant growth. Compost is an excellent source of organic matter that promotes biologically active soil by adding beneficial micro-organisms. By incorporating compost, it is possible to add life and organic matter to the soil. Adding life to the soil will replicate native soil systems where shrubs, trees, and grasslands thrived without fertilizer or pesticides. The micro-organisms will thrive and multiply to fight many soil-bourne diseases and increase nutrient supply to plants.

Compost can be used in a variety of ways for specific purposes such as Erosion Control, Wetland Replication, Bioremediation, and Pollution Prevention. The US-EPA web site provides summaries of case studies in which compost has been used successfully. Go to www.epa.gov, Publications, National Publications Catalog, and conduct a search by title for "Innovative Uses of Compost".

There are many other benefits of using compost. Compost helps sandy soils retain moisture, breaks up clay in heavy soils, adds nutrients, helps improve drainage, reduces erosion, and relieves compaction. It also makes most soils more workable for yearly planting or easy weeding. Click here for Agresource's helpful and informative "Homeowners Guide to Using Compost."

APPLICATION RATES FOR AGRESOIL COMPOST™
Agresource can show you how to effectively improve plant performance with the following application rates:

• TURF ESTABLISHMENT / SOD INSTALLATION / SOIL RENOVATION: Incorporate 1 to 3 inches of Agresoil Compost™ into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil (3-9 cuyds/1000 sq.ft). Use higher rate for less fertile soil.
• TURF MAINTENANCE / TOPDRESSING: Broadcast 1/3 inch of Agresoil Compost™ (approximately 1 cuyd/1000sqft) on established turf and rake in. For best results aerate soil prior to topdressing.
• FLOWER BEDS / GROUND COVERS: Mix or rototil 1 to 3 inches of Agresoil Compost™ into the soil prior to planting.
• TREE AND SHRUB PLANTING: Uniformly mix Agresoil Compost™ with existing soil and use at a rate of 25% AGRESOIL COMPOST to 75% soil and use as backfill for trees and shrubs.
• SHRUB MAINTENANCE / MULCHING: Spread Agresoil Compost™ 2 to 3 inches thick over planting areas or individual plant pits.
• FIELD NURSERY PRODUCTION: Incorporate 2 to 3 inches of Agresoil Compost™ into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil. Test soil pH levels where ericaceous crops are grown.
• POTTING MEDIUMS / CONTAINER PLANTS: Custom blend Agresoil Compost™ (1/10 to 1/3 by volume) with traditional potting mediums. Water thoroughly after planting.
• GOLF COURSES:
  Tee and Green Construction—Blend 20% Agresoil Compost™ with 80% USGA specific sand, mix thoroughly, seed or sod. (Screen Agresoil Compost™ to 1/4 prior to blending)
  Topdressing—Broadcast 1/4 inch of Agresoil Compost™ on fairway, green or tee and rake/sweep off any debris. Topdressing after core aeration is most effective.
  
  The rates listed above are general recommendations for use. Existing soil should be tested and a horticultural professional or extension agent consulted for specific uses.