The use of Compost as a mulch in Horticultural markets
The key aim of the project is to develop markets for compost in the mature top fruit tree sector. Specifically, the project will seek to establish markets for 10-40mm fraction of green waste compost, a particle size highly suited to mulch applications.
The Kent region is a key centre for high value fruit production (apples, pears, cherries and plums) and consequently, an area where significant potential exists to develop the market for compost as a mulch product. The project will demonstrate the key benefits of compost through a series of demonstation trials and assess the commercial impact of using compost in this application.
Background
This project is being undertaken by ReMaDe Kent & Medway in collaboration with Kent County Council, East Malling Research and compost producers in Kent (Shelford Composting), Sussex (Beddingham Compost Company) and Essex(Treefella) aims to develop new added-value markets for green waste compost within the Kent and Medway region.
The project is investigating the effects of green waste compost when applied as mulch to mature fruit trees and represents an entirely new market for compost use and in particular, the 10-40mm fraction which is traditionally difficult to market.
Objectives
Minimum size requirements for fruits have been established by multiple purchasing groups which growers need to meet in order to maximise their incomes. Moisture stress (particularly at key points in the growing season) can impact on the size and shelf life of fruits and the use of compost as a mulch to maximise water retention could offer clear commercial benefits to growers (an increase of 5mm in fruit circumference is equivalent to a 20% yield increase and reduces the need to thin crops, impacting of labour and spray costs associated with production).
Through operating a series of demonstration trials, the project will aim to investigate the impact of compost mulch on the following aspects of fruit production:
- Increasing water retention and reducing the need for irrigation (irrigation can represent a significant cost)
- Improving yields
- Extended shelf life
- The overall commercial benefits for fruit growers and compost producers.
Update
Compost has been applied to 5 different fruit growing sites in the Kent & Medway region. Analyses of crop yields and soil moisture retention began in September 05 (the harvest period for most of the demonstration crops) and initial results appear to be extremely encouraging. Growers have reported significant improvements in crop yield and quality.
The project is due to complete at the end of March 06 when a final project report will be published.
