Waste compost trial at Lafarge a big success
A RECYCLED compost made from green household and amenity waste such as grass cuttings, prunings and leaves has proved a resounding success in trailblazing trials held at Lafarge Cement UK's Dunbar Works.
The trial, run by waste advisory body WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), involved mixing a total of 2,300 tonnes of this special compost in with the topsoil left in an area of the Dunbar Works quarry after materials had been extracted; the effects on the quality of the soil and plants growing in it were then studied over the next 12 months.
The researchers discovered that, in general, the greater the amount of compost used (at rates up to 1:4 of compost:soil volume) the greater the positive effect. As the compost improved soil quality, so establishment of natural vegetation and ryegrass was quicker and more complete.
Early results also suggest there may be benefits to tree establishment and growth if compost is incorporated at rates of just 1:10 into the top 40 cm of topsoil used for native tree plantings, particularly improving survival rates of some species.
Enhancing the soil in this way is expected to support a range of uses including improvement of rough grazing land, water holding and erosion prevention on slopes, and establishment and growth of native woodland.
Dunbar Works manager David Chrystall said: "We are delighted we could provide such a useful testing ground for this new product. The northwest quarrying area is being allowed to regenerate naturally but this trial has shown that in these nutrient-deficient soils, composts such as this not only recycle waste but can play an important role in establishment."
Jeremy Elvins, Lafarge Cement's national minerals manager, explained further: "We were interested in taking part in the project as we had a shortage of topsoil and the quality compost appeared to be the best form of organic matter to use for replicating natural top soil conditions, both physically and in its nutrients.
"We also needed to ensure that the compost blends did not leach any unacceptable substances, so using a fully tested and approved material gave us confidence.
"Crucially, this project builds on our track record of sustainability at the Works. This has become established through using waste-derived materials such as chipped used tyres as part of the cement-making process."
According to WRAP, the trial has helped with the compilation of valuable information relevant to the quarrying and mining industry across the UK, as it looks to restore land for agricultural use. This trial has shown that by incorporating compost as part of the restoration process, the soils become more robust and therefore capable of supporting agricultural applications.
Further evaluation of the results will continue until later in 2009. The compost was sourced from Scottish Water Waste Services in Deerdykes, near Glasgow and SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) has been providing scientific advice for the site.
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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