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Research
The City of San José has funded a variety of research and demonstration projects on compost and mulch. Beginning in June 1994, the City partnered with local farmers and compost and mulch producers to demonstrate the use of yard trimmings products in agriculture. In addition to commercial agricultural applications for yard trimmings, City-funded research has also examined soil benefits and agricultural applications of vermicompost. This research, as well as related publications, can be downloaded from the links below.
- Building a Market-based System for Farm Composting of Commercial Food Waste
On-farm composting of commercial food and other organic waste.
Center for Ecological Technology, Northampton, Massachusetts
2000
- Compost as a Topdressing for Turfgrass (DOC)
Evaluated the utility of topdressing compost at various depths as compared to a check, conventional and slow-release fertilizers, and steer manure applications over a three-year period.
Michelle Le Strange, UCCE Farm Advisor, Tulare & Kings Counties, principal investigator
1997
- Compost Demonstration Project on the Use of Yard Trimmings Products: Agriculture in Partnership with San Jose
On-farm research project involving three types of yard trimmings products (uncomposted, semicomposted, and fully composted) used on a variety of farm crops.
Will Gehr, Gehr Associates, San Jose, California, principal investigator
1997
- Evaluating the Efficacy of Three Yard Trimmings Substrate Formulas for Production of Oyster Mushrooms (DOC)
Environmentally controlled evaluation of the efficacy of three substrate formulas for commercial production of oyster mushroom.
Dr. Maria de la Fuente, UCCE Santa Clara County, principal investigator
Ongoing research, 2001 update
- Organic Mulches for Weed Control in Transplanted Broccoli and Lettuce (DOC)
Tested efficacy of composted yard waste for season-long weed control in transplanted broccoli and lettuce.
Steven A Fennimore, Dept. of Vegetable Crops, U.C. Davis, principal investigator
1998
- Pajaro Valley Compost Partnership
Research on how compost quality impacts agronomic benefits, particularly on different soil types.
Marc Buchanan, Buchanan Associates, Santa Cruz, California, principal investigator
Ongoing research, 2001 update
- Studying the Effect of Yard Trimmings Compost, Food Waste Compost and Vermicompost on Soil Chemistry and Biology
Evaluation of the role of various composts on soil chemistry and biology.
Dr. Maria de la Fuente, UCCE Santa Clara County, principal investigator
Ongoing research, 1999 update
- The Effect of Vermicompost on Soil Properties and Horticultural Crops (DOC)
Evaluation of the role of vermicompost in the production of stable soil organic matter and on production of two varieties of cayenne chile peppers.
Dr. Maria de la Fuente, UCCE Santa Clara County, principal investigator
Ongoing research, 1999 update
- Using Compost in Stormwater Management
Incorporating compost into management practices can lower runoff volume due to improved water holding capacity, healthy vegetation/biomass, and increased infiltration.
David Crohn, United States Composting Council Factsheet, 2008.
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