COMPOST COMPARISONS - ORGANIC STANDARDS AND AS 4454. THE NEED FOR CONSISTENT, HIGH QUALITY COMPOST STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

This paper investigates the various standards and regulations which apply to the production and application of compost in Australia.
Comparison of the requirements for compost in the Australian Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products (AS6000-2009) and two organic certification organisations – Australian Certified Organic Pty Ltd. (ACO) and the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA) – with the Australian Standard – Composts, soil conditioners and mulches (AS 4454-2003) reveals variations between standards. Commonwealth, State/Territory or Local Statutory regulatory requirements and Laws, override all standards, but these too are inconsistent.
The review reveals there is a need to address anomalies between all compost standards, particularly contaminant levels, to ensure a high standard product that will improve soil health and productivity.