Compost and Waste
Compost, vermin-composting, and compost teas are widely used by organic farmers. Composting helps restore soil fertility and raise crop yields particularly for farmers in degraded areas, contributes to soil conservation, and can be used for control and rehabilitation of gullies created by erosion. Some urban centres have begun compost programmes as an environmentally sound way to reduce consumer waste.
Organic farmers seek better information on potential pathogens in compost, the impact of turning compost piles, the carbon and nitrogen dynamics within compost piles, and safe methods for making compost teas. Alternative uses (e.g. energy generation) for organic waste materials are an area in need of further research on appropriate technologies, costs, and environmental impacts.
There currently are no research institutes or programs specifically dedicated to researching compost and waste and very little research on organic compost and waste.
More information
Institutions
- FAO.org/OrganicAG: Institutions that undertake research relevant to the topic of compost and waste in the ORCA database at FAO's organic farming pages