SPECIFICATIONS FOR COMPOSTED SOIL CONDITIONER FOR THE HAWKESBURY NEPEAN RIVER RECOVERY PROJECT

The Hawkesbury-Nepean River Recovery Program’s Nutrient Smart Farms project required the development of product specifications for high quality and fit-for-purpose compost. There is a wide range of compost available in the market place, with high variability in the levels of physical contamination and chemical contamination. Identifying the quality characteristics of compost reduces risks associated with possible contamination and provides the potential for compost to meet crop nutritional demands and improve soil health. These product specifications describe composted soil conditioner characteristics that set benchmarks in terms of high quality, nutritional characteristics and physical contamination. They were developed as a case study for setting and maintaining the quality and characteristics of compost for use in agriculture, including intensive and broad-acre in one particular situation, however, they can be used and adapted for use in other agricultural settings. They also describe characteristics of fit for purpose compost for particular soil types and land use combinations, with the intention of matching nutrient demands, improving soil health and reducing nutrient runoff into the river system. These specifications have been developed in consultation with the compost industry, researchers and advisory staff within NSW Department of Industry & Investment and collaborating agencies and were funded by the NSW Department of Climate Change and Water.