Agricultural Composting Resources for Small Farms

This content collection covers various composting resources such as: introductory composting information, environmental considerations, using composted organic wastes on farms, composting at livestock operations, regulatory information for Oregon, detailed technical information, and compost organizations.

Introductory Information

Keep the compost cooking on the farm this winter

Start an active compost pile in winter, and you could have rich compost to add to your vegetable beds by spring. Livestock farmers can combine used bedding and manure to produce a valuable soil amendment — no matter the time of year.

Melissa Fery | Dec 2007 | Article

Environmental Considerations

Water Quality Protection

This site introduces principles for protecting water quality at agricultural composting facilities.

Tom Richard | Apr 2018 | Online resource

Using Compost and Organic Wastes on Farms

Organic Farming Systems and Nutrient Management: Overview

Washington State University's program of Organic Farming Systems and Nutrient Management goal is to build soil productivity, support local agriculture, protect water quality, and facilitate recycling of organic wastes, by applying soil science principles to agricultural, development, and waste management issues.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Calculating Compost Bulk Density

Instructions for measuring compost bulk density

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Fertilizing with Manure and Other Organic Amendments

Are you thinking about using manure to fertilize your farm but want more information? Properly managed manure applications recycle nutrients to crops, improve soil quality, and protect water quality. From deciding ...

Andy I. Bary, Craig G. Cogger, Dan M. Sullivan | Mar 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Clopyralid in Compost

Clopyralid is the common name of a herbicide that kills broad-leaved weeds such as dandelions, clover, and thistle. Clopyralid contamination of yard debris compost emerged as a problem in Washington State in 2000 and 2001. Clopyralid has since been banned as a lawn herbicide, removing the risk of contamination of yard debris compost. Because clopyralid is still registered for use on grass hay and some grain crops, the risk of contamination of some animal manures with clopyralid remains.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Composting at Livestock Operations

Composting Livestock or Poultry Manure

This eXtension site introduces various methods for composting livestock manure.

Jason Governo | Feb 2016 | Online resource

Livestock and Poultry Mortality Composting

This eXtension site includes several short presentations discussing livestock and poultry mortality composting.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Oregon Regulatory Information

ODA CAFO Program

Natural Resources Programs aim to conserve, protect, and develop natural resources on public and private lands in order to ensure that agriculture will continue to be productive and economically viable in Oregon.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Detailed Technical Information

Compost Facility Operator Manual

A resource book for your compost facility operators.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Compost Organizations

US Composting Council

The United States Composting Council is a national, non-profit trade and professional organization promoting the recycling of organic materials through composting.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Washington Organic Recycling Council

WORC is a nonprofit organization formed in response to demands for increased recycling of organic materials.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Apr 2018

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Soil

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