“Compost
Happens” is a take-off on “Shit Happens”. Good quality
compost does not just happen. Let
us help you improve yours.
Compost
The volume of compost being produced in North America (and elsewhere) is large and increasing, but there is considerable room for improving its quality. This is not so much dependent on the compost's nutrient content (e.g. N, P, K), but rather on its ability to support a community of
micro-organisms that are essential for healthy plant growth. Of course, the compost must not contain plant or animal pathogens. Currently, regulations focus on controlling the hazardous aspects of compost, but little emphasis is placed on the compost's beneficial properties. Buyers of compost do not currently have good methods for assessing quality, but this will soon be changing. Only good quality product will retain market share. Through our services and research we will help our supporters to produce good compost.
Some Services: We assess compost and compost infusions ("tea") for their abilities to support growth of healthy plants. Disease protecting ability is tested using representative pathogens in standardized test systems. Induction of the plant's natural
defence systems (e.g. SAR response) can also be measured. Assays are available for beneficial microbes including nitrogen cycle bacteria, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR's), antifungal compound producing bacteria (ACB's), mycorrhizal fungi and select biological control agents.
Microbial counts that are of interest for special-purpose composting, or for solving compost problems can also be performed. For bioremediation composting (see bioremediation part of site) bacteria that degrade hydrocarbons, pentachlorophenol, PAH's or other common pollutants can be enumerated. For composting of lignocellulosic residues (e.g. wood, cardboard) the presence and activity of lignin-degrading fungi can be measured. For composting of fats, we monitor lipase-producing bacteria. Methods for increasing the activities or numbers of these or other microbes that might be of particular interest can be suggested.
We can monitor progress of composting by measuring heat production, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, or by using colorimetric assays of important metabolic processes. These measurements, in conjunction with microbial counts, chemical analysis and appropriate experimental design, are used to problem-solve, or to improve composting processes.
Research: Our current goal is to attain a better understanding of how compost and compost tea protects plants against disease (see 'Control of Microbial Pests' part of site). Although it is generally agreed that this relates to microbiological activity, the mechanism of disease control remains obscure. In our preliminary work, we have isolated many bacteria from compost that are strongly antagonistic to important plant pathogens. Some antifungal compounds have been identified. Some of the bacteria induce SAR. We are looking for support to increase the scope of this work, since it is our belief that if we can understand how compost and compost tea control plant disease, it will be possible to enhance this property. This may help to establish compost and compost products as environmentally- benign alternatives to chemical pesticides, as regulations restricting the use of these continue to increase.
If our compost work is of interest to you, please contact us.
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