Growing Applications
- Growing media - compost can be blended with peat or other substrates to produce a high quality growing media. Successful blends have been used from 10% to 60% depending on plant or crop type and production system. The inclusion of compost in growing media has been shown, in some situations, to lower the incidence of the growth of liverwort, moss and algae. The wettability of compost is also good which means that the addition of a wetting agent is usually not required. Plant growth can sometime be more compact than in conventional growing media;
- Soil amendment/improver - compost can be used to improve soils prior to planting, or in established crops. Most grades of compost are suitable for use as a soil amendment, but the application rate will vary;
- Mulch - crops can benefit from the nutrient value of compost, plus its weed suppression effects when it is applied in rows as a mulch 25 - 75mm deep;
- Backfill mix in top and bush fruit production - compost can eliminate the need to add major nutrients during planting. As compost also contains the full range of minor nutrients and trace elements, additional trace element applications should not be required when using compost in backfill mixes. The inclusion rate will vary based on the species to be grown and the characteristics of the soil to be blended.
