Manure spreading is a common method of adding organic matter to agricultural land. However, there are problems associated with it, including increased weeds and pathogens, high moisture content requiring many loads to be spread, and quickly released nutrients which lead to possible contamination of surface and ground water. Manure, combined with carbonaceous material and allowed to decompose to a stable humus product, is called compost. The compost process kills weed seeds and pathogens, stabilizes nutrients, reduces the amount of trips needed for field application, and increases the benefits to soil structure.
Arizona has had little research on the incorporation of compost in the soil for use in large scale agriculture. Most research has focused on applications of animal manure or sewage sludge. due to the unique conditions of Agriculture in Arizona, specifically regular irrigations, course soils, and high temperatures, research from other areas is not applicable. Therefore, this program will add important information on use of organic materials use in agriculture.
OBJECTIVE #1. Develop a cost effective compost method.
OBJECTIVE #2. Monitor the effects of different compost application rates on nutrient content of soil and plant tissues and water retention rates of soil.
OBJECTIVE #3. Educate the community on compost methods and benefits.