Project Number: 6420-12000-009-04
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Feb 11, 2009
End Date: Sep 30, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this project is to examine the utilization of pulverized paper as a source of organic matter for degraded soils and validate the creation of soil conditions commensurate with establishment of native vegetation on disturbed Army training lands.

Approach:
A full-scale field project is proposed for utilizing shredded classified paper waste for soil amelioration. Nine study sites will be developed within coastal plain area dropzones that is nearly level with deep, acidic, fine sand or sandy loam textured soils. A mixture of native grasses will be planted at a rate of 50 pounds/acre in plots measuring about 12 by 24 feet. The classified paper waste will be surface applied using appropriate application rates then disked into the top 6 to 8 inches to avoid wind erosion loss due to the small particle size of the material. No other amendments will be added to the plots receiving the classified paper waste. The demonstration plots will be replicated four times at each site, and soil and vegetation data will be collected to validate the usefulness of this material in terms of plant and soil response.