Compost Manufactured Topsoil Specifications
Turf Establishment with Compost Manufactured Topsoil (CMT)
Description
This work shall consist of incorporating compost with base soil to produce a Compost Manufactured Topsoil (CMT) capable of providing an effective plant growth medium. This specification applies to all types of turf establishment methods including broadcast seeding, brillion seeding and hydroseeding.
CMT Ingredients
CMT shall consist of a uniform mixture of compost and base soil to achieve the CMT final soil specifications. Product descriptions for compost and base soil are as follows:
Compost used in the production of CMT shall be an organic substance produced by the biological and biochemical decomposition of source separated organic materials, that may include leaves and yard trimmings, food or industrial residuals, and/or municipal biosolids. The product shall not contain levels of substances that shall inhibit or otherwise be harmful to plant growth and shall be reasonably free (<1% by dry weight) of man-made foreign matter. Compost shall meet USEPA 40 CFR Part 503 standards for Class A, Exceptional Quality Compost, as well as all applicable state and local regulations for its intended use.
Base soil shall consist of topsoil and/or other soil constituents (e.g. sand, silt, clay). Base soil shall be sand, sandy loam or loamy sand in texture (USDA soil classification). It shall be free of stones, lumps, plants, weeds, roots and other debris over 2 inches in any dimension. Base soil shall not contain levels of substances that shall inhibit or otherwise be harmful to plant growth.
Product Parameters/Final Soil Specifications:
| | Final Soil Specifications2 | | | | Compost Manufactured Topsoil | pH | 6.0-8.5 | 5.0-8.0 | 6.0 - 7.8 | % Organic Matter | <40% | 0-5% | 6% - 20% | Particle Size | <1” | < 2”, USDA Class: Sand,
Sandy Loam, Loamy Sand | < 2”, USDA Class: Sand,
Loam, Loamy Sand | Salts/conductivity | Must be Reported | <2mmhos/cm* | <4mmhos/cm | Carbon:Nitrogen Ratio | 15-25:1 | N/A | N/A |
1 The soluble salt concentration of the compost and base soil may vary but must be reported.
2After handling, placement and rainfall, final level should be less than 2mmhos/cm.
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Construction Requirements
The contractor shall provide the owner with the following information:
- The source(s) of compost and base soil.
- Evidence of compost compliance with EPA Chapter 40 CFR Part 503 (pathogen, metals, and vector attraction reduction) as well as applicable state and local regulations.
- Representative compost analyses for pH, % organic matter, conductivity, total nitrogen (TN), phosphorous (P205), potassium (K2O), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na).
- Compost supplier references documenting a minimum of three years experience providing more than fifty thousand (50,000) cubic yards of compost to similar projects.
Manufacturing/Placement Requirements
The mixture of compost and base soil shall meet the above CMT specification and shall be accomplished by means of rolling and tumbling by front end loaders and bulldozers or by processing in a mixing plant. The material shall be mixed sufficiently to produce a homogeneous soil, free of lumps and clods.
CMT shall be placed by the contractor using conventional earthmoving equipment. CMT shall be spread to the uniform final depth in the approved project design. CMT shall be spread in a manner as to establish a loose, friable seed bed.
For projects where slope stabilization and erosion control are needed, final grades shall be prepared by low-ground-pressure bulldozers traversing slopes vertically to consolidate the soil and produce horizontal track imprints. This will assist in seed germination and ensure that consistent grades are maintained across all slopes, and that no vertical depressions or channels are created that could result in the concentration of surface water drainage.
Method of Measurement
CMT shall be measured by the cubic yard as determined by actual surface measurement of the lengths, widths and depths of the topsoil area.
Basis of Payment
CMT shall be paid for at the contract unit price per cubic yard, in place and accepted.
Soil Analysis
Prior to any soil preparation procedures, a soil analysis shall be completed by a reputable laboratory to determine any nutritional requirements, pH and organic matter adjustments necessary. Once determined, the soil shall be appropriately amended to a range suitable for the turf species to be established.
earthlife™ Compost provided by New England Organics, 135 Presumpscot Street, Portland, ME 04103 (1-800-933-6474) meets the above compost product parameters.
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