1. Benefits of Compost Use David Allen MBS Environmental

2. Chemistry Physics Biology Water Retention Drainage Aeration Compaction Nutrient Supply Nutrient Retention pH Control Nutrient Recycling Disease Control

3. Improving Physical Properties of Soils: Improving water holding capacity Reducing bulk density of compacted soils Reducing clay dispersion in hard-setting soils Improving drainage Improving water holding capacity Reducing bulk density of compacted soils Reducing clay dispersion in hard-setting soils Improving drainage Improving Biological Properties of Soils: Provides nutrients and energy for soil flora and fauna Increases nutrient recycling Reduces plant pathogens and diseases Provides nutrients and energy for soil flora and fauna Increases nutrient recycling Reduces plant pathogens and diseases

4. Supplies nutrients “Unlocks” stored soil nutrients “Slow-release” properties Balanced nutrient profile Improves effectiveness of added fertilisers o Increases nutrient retention (cations and trace elements) o Reduces leaching losses of mobile nutrients Maintains near-neutral pH values: o Lime effect on acidic soils o Reduces effects of soil alkalinity Supplies nutrients “Unlocks” stored soil nutrients “Slow-release” properties Balanced nutrient profile Improves effectiveness of added fertilisers o Increases nutrient retention (cations and trace elements) o Reduces leaching losses of mobile nutrients Maintains near-neutral pH values: o Lime effect on acidic soils o Reduces effects of soil alkalinity Improving Chemical Fertility of Soils:

11. Quindalup SandSpearwood SandBassendean sand

13. Forms of Nutrients in Compost Incorporated into organic matter. (Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur) Adsorbed onto organic matter surface. (Potassium, ammonium-N, calcium, boron, copper, zinc) Inorganic minerals (Calcium, phosphorus, sulphur) Water-soluble Salts (Sulphate-S, nitrate-N, soluble reactive phosphorus, chloride)

14. Comparison of Nutrient Content with Other Organics and Fertilisers NutrientUnitsCompostBiosolidsCow Manure Poultry Manure UreaSuper- phosphate Nitrophoska Nitrogen%2.15.911.604.264615 Phosphorus%0.892.481 to 393.9 Potassium%1.30.281.5 to 2.512.4 Calcium%3.02.16223.4 Magnesium%0.390.791.2 Sulphur%0.640.160.5 to 1.0106.0 Boronmg/kg<10049918100 Coppermg/kg10010003551 Ironmg/kg170068003000 Manganesemg/kg300100 Molybdenummg/kg<10181.21.5 Zincmg/kg40010009031040070

15. Nitrogen ParameterUnitsABCDEF Carbon%10.613.732.743.511.825.4 Nitrogen%1.11.82.72.10.831.44 C : N ratio9.67.712.22114.417.6 NO3-Nmg/L1153433.61.415.834 NH4-Nmg/L1.00.434070.320.1874

16. Phosphorus ParameterUnitsABCDEF Total P%0.360.991.40.890.220.72 Extractable P%0.190.400.570.290.1260.29 Water-soluble Pmg/L4.34.65915.79.51.55

17. Cations ParameterUnitsABCDEF Total Ca%1.53.54.33.01.53.6 Extr. Ca%0.821.51.41.30.862.1 Total Mg%0.280.460.400.390.190.27 Extr. Mg%0.200.340.300.310.150.21 Total K%0.530.771.01.30.27 Extr. K%0.400.570.740.950.210.25 Total Na%0.170.230.370.510.090.14 Extr. Na%0.120.140.260.420.060.11

18. Trace Elements ParameterUnitsABCDEF Total Bmg/kg<100 Extr. Bmg/kg461812 13 Total Cumg/kg<1003040010030300 Extr. Cumg/kg32581989 Total Mnmg/kg200 300 100 Extr. Mnmg/kg941301601104750 Total Znmg/kg90180600400200300 Extr. Znmg/kg58110380290120200

19. Water Holding Capacity ParameterUnitsABCDEF Water Holding Capacity%47525361 -

20. pH Control ParameterABCDEF pH7.67.78.46.98.46.4 Cations Anions Before composting Anions After composting Calcium Magnesium Potassium Sodium Organic anions Phosphate Sulphate Nitrate Alkalinity

21. A Year in the Life of a Phosphate Molecule January

22. A Year in the Life of a Phosphate Molecule February - March

23. A Year in the Life of a Phosphate Molecule October - November

24. A Year in the Life of a Phosphate Molecule December Landfill

25. Application Rates Intended UseApplication Rate (cubic metres per hectare) Increasing water holding capacity50 to 200 Improving soil structure20 to 100 Countering acidity/alkalinity20 to 50 Long term nutrient supply20 to 100 Short term nutrient supply5 to 20 Improving soil biology<1 to 50