Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewedOrganic

Compost organic matter content is related to composting practice and determines compost quality across the North Sea Region

Fien Amery, Paul Quataert, Elke Vandaele, Hans Smeets, Hanne Lakkenborg Kristensen, Kenneth Loades, Ina Körner, Koen Willekens

SSRN Electronic Journal · 2025

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Summary

This multi-country study investigates how composting practices and organic matter retention affect final compost quality across the North Sea Region. The findings suggest that organic matter content is a key determinant of compost quality and that practices vary significantly between regions, which has implications for standardisation and end-use suitability. The work contributes to understanding regional variation in compost production and quality assurance.

Regional applicability

The inclusion of United Kingdom researchers and the North Sea Region focus suggests direct applicability to UK composting practice and regulation. Findings may inform UK compost standards and guidance for producers seeking to optimise quality for agricultural and horticultural use.

Key measures

Organic matter content, compost quality indicators, composting practices, regional variation across North Sea Region sites

Outcomes reported

The study examined relationships between composting practices and organic matter content in finished compost, and assessed how these factors determine overall compost quality across multiple sites in the North Sea Region. Compost quality metrics were evaluated in relation to composting methodology and feedstock composition.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil fertility & nutrient management
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Europe
System type
Organic systems
DOI
10.2139/ssrn.5428451
Catalogue ID
SNmok1w18v-4w7fdq

Topic tags

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