Improving Vegetation Establishment and Erosion Control with Compost-Based Specifications

A series of five workshops were held across the state to introduce new compost use specifications to district designers including landscape architects, biologists, and storm water quality coordinators. These workshops provided designers with the opportunity to comment, suggest revisions, and ask compost and water quality-related questions of a diverse team of experts.

These workshops featured practical tools and information on using compost to reduce erosion and improve the establishment of roadside vegetation.

Content

Topics covered included:

The characteristics and uses of mulches, soil amendments, and organic fertilizers.
The benefits of compost for roadside applications, including reduced runoff, improved infiltration, improved erosion control, and filtration.
The U.S. Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance Program, the national compost quality and labeling program.
Using compost to reduce erosion and improve the establishment of roadside vegetation.
Innovative Caltrans projects, pros and cons of different types of applications, and lessons learned.
Panel discussion on using compost and mulch on roadside applications.

Participants

CIWMB sought participation from a wide range of stakeholders including:

University professionals
Researchers
Soil scientists
California compost industry professionals
Landscape architects
Caltrans representatives

Contact: Brian Larimore

Erosion Control Home

Last updated: July 16, 2008

Organic Materials Management http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/
Pat Paswater: PPaswater@ciwmb.ca.gov (916) 341-6593