Peer-Reviewed CCREF Paper is Now Available Open Access

A CCREF-endorsed paper, Soluble Salts in Compost and their Effects on Soil and Plants: A Review, was recently published in Compost Science & Utilization (CS&U). Published by Taylor & Francis, this type of publication in such an internationally recognized peer-reviewed research journal gives the work an extra level of recognition in the scientific community and reinforces CCREF’s commitment to understanding and communicating the science involved in composting. To underscore the commitment to sharing research on compost, CCREF is offering this paper open access to anyone who wants to read it. The paper can be found here:

This paper is a review looking at some of these key points plus more:

• Soluble salts refer to soluble ions such as Ca² , K , Mg² , and Na in compost and are measured indirectly and cumulatively through electrical conductivity (EC); compost salinity is commonly measured using a method referred to as EC₅ whereas soils are measured using an EC_e.
• Some ions contributing to EC are also plant essential nutrients.
• In appropriate proportions, quality compost with a high EC₅ mixed with soil or media can enhance plant growth and yields.
• Labeling composts and developing appropriate application methods could allay concerns associated with composts where EC₅ > 5 dS m^-1 and promote compost use and sustainable farming practices.