COMPOST is a nutrient-rich organic material
Compost is a product resulting from the decomposition of plant remains. The activity of microorganisms drives this decomposition process. Compost consists of organic material in various fractions (e.g., humus or twigs) and a small proportion of mineral components (e.g., sand or clay). At composting facilities, the decomposition through the composting process is carried out in a controlled manner. Different organic materials (including grass, pruning waste and leaves) are carefully dosed and
incorporated into the process. The composter regularly turns the material, ensuring optimal aeration, oxygen levels, moisture and temperature. Composting is a biological method of eliminating pathogens from materials.
At composting facilities, various organic residual streams, including green waste from public, private and professional sources, are collected and processed into compost.
The quality of compost depends heavily on the materials used during the composting process. Compost is a raw material used in growing media up to a certain percentage or as a soil improver in garden soils or public green spaces.
RHP-certified compost is broadly applicable due to its low salt content. For compost with the RHP quality mark, not all types of green waste are permitted. Agricultural and horticultural waste streams are excluded due to the fact that these bring a higher risk of plant diseases.
Furthermore, strict requirements are imposed on the composting process for the RHP quality mark to ensure proper sanitation.This will ensure that any pathogens present in the greenwaste are eliminated to a maximum.
In RHP-certified growing media, only a certain dosage of compost is allowed. Compost can contain higher concentrations of certain nutrients, which can affect the culture when applied in a substrate. The dosage is determined through plant response tests and chemical composition analysis. For professional growing media with the RHP Horticulture quality mark, the maximum compost content is 30 percent. Certified companies classify the high-quality compost based on its nutrient levels and inform their customers in writing about this.
To assess the product’s safety for plants, humans and animals, RHP carries out a risk assessment.
The characteristics of the composting facility must not affect the purity and quality of the product.
