Fort Hood Compost Project

Summary of Activities, Spring 2003

Training Area 44-A

1. Project initiation

§         Locate a compost/revegetation site;

§         Test the soils in the selected site to determine fertility, texture and organic matter;

§         Map the selected site using GPS;

§         After evaluating the conditions at the selected site prepare a detailed Action Plan which will include the following:

o       Site preparation,

o       Compost application methods and rates 

o       Vegetation selection establishment plan

o       Establish a storm water monitoring site; the equipment will include ISCO 4230, ISCO 3700, and a rain gauge to monitor conditions during stormwater runoff events.  A weather station will be included in the equipment if the coordinating committee considers the location secure.

2.                   Research and demonstration protocol

§                                Establish replicated sub-plots within the selected site (treatments will include compost rates, application methods, seeding rates etc);

§                                Evaluate runoff potential (subplots) using our runoff simulation methodology or a rainfall simulator;

§                                Soil testing to evaluate soil conditions after applying compost;

§                                Evaluate plant emergence and establishment; (plant populations and density)

3.  Evaluation (annual report).

§         Quantity of compost used, acres treated, and condition of established vegetation.

§         Research results

§         Water quality impacts

§         Maps

Related Sites:

• Compost Project Home Page

September 10, 2003
Dennis Hoffman, Project Leader;