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:
Bary, A.I., C.G. Cogger, S.C. Fransen, and E.A. Myhre. 1999. Yard trimmings effect on corn production and nutrient availability. 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, online pdf ]
Bary, A.I., C.G. Cogger, and E.A. Myhre. 2004. Yard trimmings as a source of nitrogen for crop production. Compost Sci. Utiliz. 12:11-17. [ email for pdf e-copy ]
Bary, A.I., C.G. Cogger, D.M. Sullivan, and E.A. Myhre. 2005. Characterization of fresh yard trimmings for agricultural use. Bioresource Technol. 96:1499-1504. [ email for pdf e-copy.
Cogger, C.G., A.I. Bary, and D.M. Sullivan. 2002. Fertilizing with yard trimmings. EB 1926E. Washington State University Cooperative Extension. [online pdf]
Sullivan, D.M., C.G. Cogger, A.I. Bary, E.A. Myhre, and J. Choate. 2001. Predicting nitrogen availability from yard debris. Western Nutrient Management Conference. 4:210-218. [conference proceeding, online pdf]
Sullivan, D.M., T.J. Nartea, A.I. Bary, C.G. Cogger, and E.A. Myhre. 2004. Nitrogen availability and decomposition of urban yard trimmings in soil. Soil Sci. 169:697-707. [email for pdf e-copy ]