What the Standards say about compost

 

NOP Standards define compost as "the product of a managed process through which microorganisms break down plant and animal materials into more available forms suitable for application to the soil." The definition continues with a precise description of how to make compost (NOP §205.203):
 
(2) Composted plant and animal materials produced though a process that:
 
(i) Established an initial C:N ratio of between 25:1 and 40:1; and
 
(ii) Maintained a temperature of between 131°F and 170°F for 3 days using an in-vessel or static aerated pile system; or
 
(iii) Maintained a temperature of between 131°F and 170°F for 15 days using a windrow composting system, during which period, the materials must be turned a minimum of five times.
 
All feedstock materials must be approved for organic systems, as listed in §205.203 and §205.601, and free of prohibited contaminants.
 
Adding composts to your fields can:
 
•        Introduce diverse and abundant populations of microorganisms
•        Speed the development of soil humus
•        Add slow-decomposing materials that will become humus
•        Improve soil structure and soil aggregate stability
 
Microorganisms continually mineralize soil nutrients, making them available to crop plants in the soil. Compost provides carbon-rich food for these microbes, which secrete glue-like compounds to help bind soil particles together, improving soil structure.
 

 

Stay tuned. Discussions of possible changes to the compost regulation are ongoing. Check with your certifier for the latest information.