ComposT Use and Availability

As an effective soil conditioner, enthusiastic gardeners and professionals growers quickly realize the value of UAJA ComposT when it is applied as a topdressing to established lawns, flower beds, gardens, or for amending soils for newly seeded lawns or landscape projects. Soils which are low in organic matter, highly compacted, with a low water infiltration rate, suffering from poor nutrient content, or lacking water-holding capacity can benefit by the addition of UAJA ComposT.

UAJA ComposT is generally available to the public at the beginning of each month. A portion of compost production is always set aside each month to be purchased by our wastewater customers and other local residents, and the rest is sold to commercial clients within Pennsylvania. If you are interested in purchasing UAJA ComposT please call ahead to check on availability. The phone number is 814-238-5361. Ask for Kathy Wheeler.

ComposT Uses

Flower Beds
When establishing new beds, add 1 to 2 inches of UAJA ComposT and incorporate to at least a 5-6 inch depth. For existing flowerbeds, apply about 1 inch of UAJA ComposT and work into soil. Typically, no additional fertilizer application will be necessary during the first season of plant growth.

For outdoor or indoor planter boxes, pots and raised planters, mix one part UAJA ComposT to one part sand or sandy loam to one part pine bark. Mix the media components until uniform, plant your plant and water thoroughly.

Turf Establishment, Renovation & Maintenance
Before establishing turfgrass, incorporate a 1 to 2 inch layer of UAJA ComposT to a depth of 5 to 6 inches using a commercially available aerator or rototiller. Work the soil until a good mix is produced, rake the surface to create a smooth seedbed and remove any clumps or stones. Seed, then water thoroughly.

On turf areas, which are overused, or on the decline, and on sites where the preference is not to destroy existing vegetation with the application of amendments, the topdressing process is best used. Topdressing is usually performed in conjunction with aeration and seeding.

Heavily core aerate the area to be topdressed. Apply ¼ to l/2 inch layer of UAJA ComposT with or without a mixture of sand. Smooth the surface with a raking device or drag mat to break up the soil plugs and mix them with the ComposT.

When using a broadcast or drop spreader, seeding can be performed just before or after compost is applied. If seeded after topdressing, it is important to rake the seed into the soil/compost layer. If seeding takes place with a vertiseeder (slice seeder), it should be performed after topdressing is complete.

By topdressing, in conjunction with core aerification, UAJA ComposT can be incorporated into the soil profile, thus improving water infiltration and reducing soil compaction. This new, enriched soil media will promote deep root growth, improve the turf’s ability to cope with periods of environmental stress and other turf management problems.

Nursery Stock
Ffor non-ericaceous species including dogwood, arborvitae, maple, japanese holly, etc. it is recommended up to 33% (by volume) of UAJA ComposT be added to nursery stock media.

Ericaceous or acid loving crops, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, leucothoe and andromeda, grow optimally in a medium using a pH of 5 to 5.5. Media testing is recommended to determine the ultimate mix..

Tree & Shrub Planting . . . dig a planting hole 2-4 times the width of the tree or shrub. Mix one part UAJA ComposT to two parts of the soil removed. Place a portion of the mixture into the hole, then plant your tree or shrub. Add the remainder of the mixture around the plant, occasionally firming it to secure the root ball and water thoroughly.

UAJA ComposT can be used in the field production of trees and shrubs by broadcasting it throughout the field, or by applying it in bands, then incorporating it to a depth of 5 to 6 inches prior to planting. Fertilizer may be needed in subsequent years based on soil testing results.

For small trees and shrubs, which are typically grown close together with minimal spacing between rows, broadcast 200 cubic yards per acre or 1 ½ inch layer of UAJA ComposT throughout the field and till in.. The quantity of compost needed per acre will depend on row spacing.

Greenhouse Use
When using UAJA ComposT as a component of potting media, it may not be necessary to fertilize crops for 2 –3 weeks after potting, depending on the crop and media nutrition. For supplemental fertilizer recommendations, have a soil test taken on the finished media and consult your local County Extension Office.

Once potted, always water your crop and growing media thoroughly. If you are considering media sterilization, remember that UAJA CompostT is weed and pathogen free.

Golf - Fairway & Tee Topdressing
For best results, heavily core aerate the area to be topdressed. Apply a ¼ - ½ inch layer of UAJA ComposT and sand. The most uniform and efficient method to apply the compost is with a topdressing unit, manure spreader or similar piece of equipment. Smooth the surface using a raking device or drag mat to break up the soil plugs, mix them with the compost and backfill the aeration holes.

Watering
Care must be exercised to maintain sufficient moisture in any growth media to prevent plant injury from moisture stress. Like peat moss mixes, media containing UAJA ComposT requires attention to maintain an adequate moisture level for plant growth.

Other items to take note of:
In order to prevent nutrient leaching, PaDEP requires compost stored for more than one week to be covered unless otherwise approved by the Department.

• During periods of rain

• To saturated, snow-covered or frozen ground.