New procurement specs boost compost markets

Last June, the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) contracted with state university horticulturists to provide basic information to best use composted materials on roadsides. "It's also going to assist DOT in establishing standards and specifications," wrote Gary Henry and Dick Bush in BioCycle (Feb., 1996). In one district, the DOT officials noted, between 20,000 to 40,000 tons per year of compost could replace the commercial fertilizer program. "Nutrient levels, rates and other questions will be answered by the University of Florida," said the officials.

And, last month, the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) announced the availability of model procurement …