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About Nutri-Green®
Nutri-Green® Compost is produced from wastewater biosolids by the natural process of biological decomposition called composting. Valuable nutrients and organic material from HRSD’s wastewater treatment plants are naturally recycled into a product that is a beneficial soil conditioner and plant food supplement.
On July 30, 2007, HRSD received certification from the United States Composting Council (USCC) Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Program for its Nutri-Green® Compost product. The product is tested according to the STA requirements using approved program laboratories. Nutri-Green® Compost is in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and must remain compliant in order to remain in the STA Program. HRSD will make test results available to any person, upon request, using the STA Program's "Compost Technical Data Sheet". The Compost technical Data Sheet includes a list of product ingredients and analytical test results.
How does Nutri-Green® work?
- Increases the ability of sandy soil to hold water
- Improves the drainage of heavy clay soil
- Enhances the aeration of heavy clay soil
- Provides long-lasting essential plant nutrients (2 - 2 - 0) (N - P - K)
- Weed free
- Neutral pH
You can use Nutri-Green® Compost to:
- Establish a new lawn
- Top-dress an existing lawn
- Establish new or existing flower beds and vegetable gardens
- Mend small bare spots
- Plant ornamental trees and shrubs
- Make enriched potting soil
Some Tips for using Nutri-Green® Compost:
To Establish A New Lawn
- Apply 1" Nutri-Green® Compost (3 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet) and roto-till to a depth of 4" to 6" into existing soil.
- Seed or sod as desired
- Additional fertilizer is not necessary at the time of planting
To Make Enriched Potting Soil
- Mix 1 part Nutri-Green ® Compost with 1 part perlite, 1 part peat moss, and 2 parts potting soil.
- Water thoroughly
- You can also mix Nutri-Green® with an existing potting soil mix, using no more than 25% by volume
To Establish Flower, Vegetable Garden, and Bedding Plants
- Apply 1" Nutri-Green® Compost (3 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet) and roto-till to a depth of 4" to 6" into existing soil.
- Water new plantings thoroughly.
To Mend Small Bare Spots
- Apply ½" to 1" Nutri-Green® Compost (1 ½" - 3 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet) and mix into soil to a depth of 3" to 4".
- Re-seed or sod and water well
To Transplant Ornamental Trees and Shrubs
- Dig a hole approximately twice the size of the root ball
- Mix 1/3 Nutri-Green® Compost by volume with 2/3 of the existing soil and backfill.
- Water new plantings thoroughly
- No additional fertilizer is required at the time of planting.
To Top-dress an Existing Lawn
- Thatch or aerate lawn
- Apply ½" Nutri-Green® Compost (1 ½ cubic yards per 1,000 square feet).
- Rake out evenly
- Re-seed, if desired, and water well
Environmental Benefits
Using Nutri-Green® Compost helps decrease runoff and soil erosion by adding organic matter that captures water. Without an adequate amount of organic material, soil is compact and water runs off, causing erosion and insufficient moisture for plant growth. Adding Nutri-Green® Compost, which is high in organic content, causes soil particles to form separate clumps and tiny pockets of air. The air space allows water to enter the ground, enabling the soil to hold more water for increased plant growth. This, in turn, decreases runoff and soil erosion.
The United States Composting Council (USCC)
The USCC is a non profit (501.c.6) national organization with approximately 200 members. The Council also directs the Composting Council Research and Education Foundation (CCREF) a 501.c.3 charitable foundation, which administers public and private research and education grant activities. The USCC is the only national organics recycling organization committed to the advancement of the composting industry.
The USCC Mission
The USCC is dedicated to the development, expansion and promotion of the composting industry based upon science, principles of sustainability, and economic viability. The organization will achieve this mission by:
- encouraging and guiding research
- promoting best composting practices
- establishing standards
- educating professionals and the public, and
- enhancing product quality and markets
Seal of Testing Assurance (STA)
The STA program is the only nationally recognized compost specific testing and labeling program. It was developed over a period of several years, through a consensus process, by the nation's leading compost research scientists. It identifies a composter who seeks to establish and maintain the highest standards in quality control, product testing and information disclosure.
Where to find Nutri-Green® Compost
Nutri-Green® Compost is available in bulk and in 40-pound bags at some local garden centers.
For additional information call HRSD at 757-460-4276 or e-mail rbowen@hrsd.com.
WE CARE ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENT.
Nutri-Green® is a registered trademark of Hampton Roads Sanitation District.
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