Using STA Certified Compost – Program Foundation: Lab Oversight

The Compost Research and Education Foundation

www.compostfoundation.org

Research
Supporting scientific research is a core focus of the CREF mission.  Here are some of the most current research projects and upcoming future project areas from the Foundation:

Soluble Salts
This literature review looks at the issue of soluble salts with the goal of beginning a dialogue illustrating that compost with a high electrical conductivity measurement - due to total nutrient content rather than potentially detrimental salts (sodium chloride) - is not harmful in most applications. The work for this paper was done by University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Access PDF above.

Field Sampling of Compost Materials
The Compost Sampling Video Project developed a two-part video series designed to educate composters on how to effectively and accurately take samples from both finished compost or an active heterogeneous stockpile or windrow. A Sampling Reference Guide is being written as an additional educational tool.

Open Source International Field Testing Program for Compostable Products
The CREF and partners operate a ready-to-go field test for certified compostable food packaging. This open source standardized field test provides baseline data on composting conditions that impact disintegration of compostable products and packaging. This is allowing CREF to develop tools for composters wanting to understand best practices for processing these feedstocks.

Air Emissions
This literature review evaluates current air quality testing methods to determine their effectiveness and identify possible changes or alternatives to current testing methods that are more cost-effective and will provide suitably accurate data regarding the emissions at a compost facility.