How to Apply Compost
Compost is an incredibly versatile resource that can be used for everything from growing healthy foods and beautiful landscapes, to erosion control, stormwater management, and environmental remediation. Read on to find resources that help demystify the use of compost - if you have additional questions, or suggestions for resources on this page, email us below!​This page is dedicated to sharing different application strategies and opportunities for compost. By growing healthy soil with compost, we can create resilient communities and strong, regenerative economies. Thanks for joining us in the ground work of building healthy soils!
General Guidance:
Compost & Mulch Use Toolbox
Because compost is such a versatile resource, it can be difficult to decide what kind of compost to use for your needs - and to learn how to use it properly in that context. CalRecycle developed a Compost and Mulch Toolbox as a repository for many different uses of compost and mulch, depending on your needs.
Compost 2023: The Last Mile
Hauling, transporting, and applying compost is one of the most expensive and difficult aspects of the compost industry. This process, collectively, is known as "The Last Mile".
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Over the last several years, ACP has been working to find solutions to this challenge to help increase the ease and quantity of compost sales throughout California. In 2023, ACP members presented on this issue at the annual US Composting Council Conference in Ontario, CA
Compost Use for Fire Remediation and Prevention
Compost as Post-Fire Erosion Control Treatments and Their Effect on Runoff Water Quality
ABSTRACT. Erosion from fire-damaged wildlands poses a significant water quality concern. Deprived of vegetation, runoff intensifies, which escalates exports of sediments and other pollutants. Used as mulches, composts shield the soil surface and reduce runoff by absorbing water and promoting infiltration. This field study considered three types of compost used as mulches following the controlled burn of coastal sage scrub vegetation.
AUTHORS: D. M. Crohn, V. N. Chaganti, N. Reddy
Interested in learning more?
We bring together compost haulers, producers, and stakeholders, including non-profits, government agencies, compost users (farms, landscapers, municipalities), and more.
Together, we use compost to build healthy soil in each California County where our members do business.