Beneficial Use of Yard Trimmings in Agriculture
Yard trimming composters sometimes have flow-management problems, when seasonal flows in the spring stretch the capacity of their facilities. This can cause serious odor problems. Land application of partially composted material could reduce flow problems, while providing nutrients and organic matter for local farmers. We have done field experiments and demonstrations to identify rates of yard debris applications that could meet crop nutritional needs and improve soil quality. Based on our research and demonstration plots and field days, conventional and organic farmers have rapidly taken interest in yard debris, with commercial applications to corn, rhubarb, and bulbs. Our most recent research is focused on improving our ability to predict nitrogen availability from yard debris.
Publications:
Yard trimmings effect on corn production and nutrient availability. (online pdf), Bary, A.I., C.G. Cogger, S.C. Fransen, and E.A. Myhre. 1999. In T.A. Tindall and D. Westerman (ed.) Proc. Western Nutrient Management Conference 3:128-133. Salt Lake City, UT. 4-5 Mar. 1999. Phosphate and Potash Institute, Manhattan, KS. Conference proceeding.
Yard trimmings as a source of nitrogen for crop production. (email for pdf e-copy) Bary, A.I., C.G. Cogger, and E.A. Myhre. 2004. Compost Sci. Utiliz. 12:11-17.
Characterization of fresh yard trimmings for agricultural use. (email for pdf e-copy) Bary, A.I., C.G. Cogger, D.M. Sullivan, and E.A. Myhre. 2005. Bioresource Technol. 96:1499-1504.
Fertilizing with yard trimmings. (online pdf) Cogger, C.G., A.I. Bary, and D.M. Sullivan. 2002.EB 1926E. Washington State University Cooperative Extension.
Predicting nitrogen availability from yard debris. (online pdf) Sullivan, D.M., C.G. Cogger, A.I. Bary, E.A. Myhre, and J. Choate. 2001.Western Nutrient Management Conference. 4:210-218. Conference proceeding.
Nitrogen availability and decomposition of urban yard trimmings in soil. (email for pdf e-copy) Sullivan, D.M., T.J. Nartea, A.I. Bary, C.G. Cogger, and E.A. Myhre. 2004.Soil Sci. 169:697-707.