State of the Art and Perspectives for Composting in the United States of America

During the period from 1985 to 1995, the increased number of composting facilities in the United States of America was primarily motivated by high landfill tipping fees and bans that prevented the landfilling of vegetative organic residuals such as leaves and grass clippings. In the case of waste water biosolids, composting was part of a beneficial reuse strategy that kept sludge from being dumped in oceans and rivers as part of clean water programs. In the 1990s, increasing attention is being given to the Utilization of a high quality compost in sustainable agriculture and horticulture. Specifically, compost products are gaining recognition as an economical and environmental substitute for chemical inputs including toxic pesticides. More researchers are proving the relevance of compost applications in sustainable agriculture programs. While much progress has been made in the production and application of quality compost, there still remains great challenges if the potential widespread application of compost is to be realized.