Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Revegetating Disturbed Urban Soils with Compost Shea Dunifon G.Evanylo, R. Maguire, & M. Goatley

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences The Need for Composting In 2007, the US generated over 245,100,000 pounds of MSW (EPA)In 2007, the US generated over 245,100,000 pounds of MSW (EPA) Two-thirds of the MSW generated was organic; 34% was paperTwo-thirds of the MSW generated was organic; 34% was paper

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Disturbed urban sites

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Compost in Common urban practices: MulchMulch Plant mediaPlant media Topdressing for lawnsTopdressing for lawns

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Disturbed Soils that can benefit from Compost: High clay contentHigh clay content Acidic (low pH)Acidic (low pH) Low nutrient contentLow nutrient content Low organic matterLow organic matter High CompactionHigh Compaction Low moistureLow moisture

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences The Benefits of Compost Biomass Turf Quality Infiltration Bulk density Nutrients Microorganisms Moisture

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Other considerations EconomicsEconomics Environmental impactEnvironmental impact “Organic” movement“Organic” movement

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Current Research: The Summit

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Objectives There is a lack of research as to how compost can benefit “disturbed urban settings”There is a lack of research as to how compost can benefit “disturbed urban settings” Effects of compost on turfgrass establishmentEffects of compost on turfgrass establishment Effects of compost on soil physical and chemical propertiesEffects of compost on soil physical and chemical properties

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Methods and Materials The Summit, Lynchburg, VAThe Summit, Lynchburg, VA Cullen LoamCullen Loam Slope 3-5%Slope 3-5% Established March 23, 2009Established March 23, 2009

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Soil test analysis ParameterResult pH7.1 CEC7.3 meq/100 g soil P6 lbs/A (L) K159 lbs/A (M+) Ca2441 lbs/A (VH) Mg240 lbs/A (VH) FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS N40 lbs/A P60 lbs/A K120 lbs/A

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Treatments 1= Control- fertilizer and seed1= Control- fertilizer and seed 2= 1” compost broadcasted and seed2= 1” compost broadcasted and seed 3= 1” compost incorporated and seed3= 1” compost incorporated and seed 4= 2” compost incorporated and seed4= 2” compost incorporated and seed 5= a) 0.25” compost broadcasted; fertilizer and seed5= a) 0.25” compost broadcasted; fertilizer and seed b) Straw blanket; fertilizer and seed b) Straw blanket; fertilizer and seed

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Incorporating Compost Compost Aerovate Seed, roll 3/28/

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Compost composition ParameterResult ¼ in screen size94% moisture43% Soluble salts (EC)2.92 mmhos/cm pH7.9 Total N0.7% P0.5% K0.8% Ca3.4% Mg0.4% MaturityVery Mature (low CO2, NH3)

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Treatments for Evaluating Revegetation 1” compost incorporated 0.25” compost broadcasted Straw Mat 1” compost broadcasted

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Treatment Differences Four weeks after establishment 2.48 inches of rainfall 0.25” compost broadcast Control Straw mat

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Treatment Effects Compost versus Control Compost Incorporated Control- Fertilizer Compost Broadcasted

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Treatment effect on stand The greatest % of ground cover after four weeks was recorded for the 1” compost incorporated.The greatest % of ground cover after four weeks was recorded for the 1” compost incorporated. The least amount of coverage was recorded for the control.The least amount of coverage was recorded for the control. The % coverage was greater for compost incorporated than surface applied applications.The % coverage was greater for compost incorporated than surface applied applications.

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Conclusions Compost applications increased percent ground coverCompost applications increased percent ground cover Incorporated compost applications have a more uniform ground coverIncorporated compost applications have a more uniform ground cover Straw mats and 0.25” broadcast compost are more effective than fertilizer alone for establishing vegetation as a seed coverStraw mats and 0.25” broadcast compost are more effective than fertilizer alone for establishing vegetation as a seed cover

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Future work Effects on biomass?Effects on biomass? Effects on turf quality?Effects on turf quality? Effects on species diversity?Effects on species diversity? Effects on tissue analysis?Effects on tissue analysis? Effects on soil chemical and/or physical properties?Effects on soil chemical and/or physical properties?

Virginia Tech – Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Questions? Thanks to Southern Scapes & Landscape Supply of Roanoke