The compost produced by the Village of Johnson can be used in a number of applications as a soil conditioner and organic fertilizer. The product is manufactured by composting a mixture of dewatered municipal wastewater sludge with sawdust and debarking material. The finished compost is homogeneous and non-deleterious in nature. It is an excellent source of organic matter.

This document has been prepared to assist the users of the product. It contains suggested methods of application along with information regarding the characteristics of the material.

Suggested Methods of Application

The compost can be used in a number of applications including lawn maintenance, topsoil production for lawn and flower garden establishment, and shrubbery and tree planting. As required by the EPA Standards for Use and Disposal of Sewage Sludge, 40 CFR Part 503, the compost shall not be used in any application for which crops are grown for human consumption. The following is a list of suggested applications:

Lawn Maintenance - Topdress 1/3 inch of compost (approximately 1 cubic yard per 1 ,000 square feet) on established lawn and rake. A mixture of compost and sand may also be used as a topdressing.

Topsoil Production for Lawn and Flower Garden establishment - Mix up to one part compost with three parts soil by volume. Less compost is required with more fertile soils.

Flower, Shrubbery and Tree Planting - uniformly mix the compost with existing soil at a rate of one part compost to three parts soil by volume and use as backfill in planting. Previously established shrubs may be topdressed with compost as a maintenance fertilizer or mulch.

The application rate of the compost shall not exceed an annual rate of 1 2 dry tons per acre (33 CY/Acre or 3/4 CY/1 ,000 s.f.) based on nitrogen loadings to the soil.

Compost Characteristics

The compost has been treated by a process to further reduce pathogens. By using windrow composting, the temperature of the compost was maintained at fifty-five (55) degrees Celsius or higher for fifteen (15) days or longer. The compost was allowed to cure an additional thirty (30) days. Compost provides landowners, nursery operators, groundskeepers and contractors with an alternative to commercial fertilizers and gives then an opportunity to recycle nutrients and organic matter into the environment. Plants benefit from the nutrients within the compost. The organic matter within the compost improves the soil structure and increases its water holding capacity. The metals, pathogens, and micronutrient concentrations within the compost are well below the standards set by the State of Vermont, Agency of Natural Resources and the federal 40 CFR 503 rules. The following table summarizes the average compost concentrations:

Disclaimer

There are no warranties, expressed or implied, which extend beyond the description contained in this information sheet. The Village of Johnson makes no warranty of merchantability or fitness of this compost for any other purpose than described. Accordingly, and without limitation, there is no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the quality or productivity of any compost and the Village of Johnson is not responsible for any alleged damage, from the application of the compost. Composted sludge is hygienically and environmentally safe when used properly. Compost, like any other fertilizer, should be stored in a protected area away from play areas for children or where it may be washed into streams.