CREF Research Webinar - The Role of Food Waste Compost in Soil Fertility Management

This webinar will cover the research findings of Daisy D'Angelo, Ph.D. candidate with The Ohio State University’s Department of Food, Agriculture, and Biological Engineering, who received CREF's University Scholarship in 2023. Daisy’s research project aimed to examine the role food waste compost (FWC) can serve in establishing and maintaining healthy soils, specifically as a tool for better managing nutrient usage. This research studied the effects of amending soil with FWC in two drastically different soil types and climates: Florida sand and Ohio clay-loam. The research studied multiple fertility regimes with native soil alone and in combination with compost amendment. Results showed that compost applications in combination with a reduced fertility rate can have equal to or better growth performance than traditional fertility applications alone. The trial conducted in Florida sand showed the most pronounced differences between treatments, which is likely due to the low initial organic matter content. The results show that compost can be used to supplement fertility to a point, but may need additional fertility or re-application.

In this webinar, we will

• Review the results of compost research trials from summer 2023/2024
• Examine Florida and Ohio research trials
• Compare and contrast year one and year two field trial studies

This webinar will be recorded and made available to all registrants in a follow-up email.

Meet Our Guest Speaker

Daisy D'Angelo is a Horticultural Scientist in Growing Media at Scotts Miracle-Gro. Within this role, she tests novel growing media inputs and formulates new soil amendment and mulch products. Daisy works extensively with finished composts from around the country, characterizing their chemical, physical, and biological properties, to ensure product quality and stability. This includes conducting and managing numerous greenhouse and field trials evaluating plant growth responses to these inputs. Daisy received her M.S. in Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University in 2014, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate with OSU’s Department of Food, Agriculture, and Biological Engineering. Her focus is on compost characterization and utilization. 

ABOUT CREF

CREF supports initiatives that enhance the stature and practices of the composting industry by supporting scientific research, increasing awareness, and educating practitioners and the public to advance environmentally and economically sustainable organics recycling. We increase awareness and educate the public through targeted outreach activities; foster scientific research opportunities; and advance the stature and practice of the composting industry by offering professional development opportunities and disseminating best practices.

For questions regarding this webinar, contact Kelsea Jacobsen: education@compostfoundation.org