Quantified Parameters:

In order to assure successful compost use and overall satisfaction, it is suggested that quantitative data be provided to compost users by producers and marketers. The following eight quantitative parameters have been recommended to assist with this suggestion.

Qualified Parameters:

It is also suggested that qualitative data with respect to the following parameter be routinely provided to compost users, when appropriate, based on feedstock.

Unspecified Parameters:

During research and a technical review process, both maturity and stability were identified as suggested minimum compost parameters that should be included. However, unlike the other parameters suggested for inclusion, industry standard test methods for these two parameters do not currently exist. Therefore, we suggest that as industry standard test methods are established for measuring maturity and stability, they be included as parameters.

Other

It should be noted that the suggested minimum compost parameters were developed to represent a wide variety of compost end uses and products produced from various feedstocks. This makes it difficult to include every parameter of specific importance to all end users, or relevant to composts produced from every feedstock. This document outlines suggested compost parameters. Other compost characterization data may need to be provided for certain products, or may be relevant to specific end users. For example, porosity and weed seed viability may be important to nursery professionals, while flowability, odor presence, ash content, or calcium carbonate equivalence may be important to landscapers and turf managers. Also, where delineating inert content (man-made) may be proper for MSW, or possibly yard trimmings compost, it may not be appropriate for biosolids or food waste compost.