Establishing Inexpensive, Sustainable Landscapes Using Compost

Healthy soil is the foundation of successful landscapes, both enhancing plant establishment and allowing for enhanced long-term growth. North Carolina soils, both heavy clay and lighter sands, are greatly impacted by changes in the climate, making soil improvement an even more critical factor in the site and landscape development. Soil restoration is also at the core of ASLA’s Sustainable Sites Initiative because it is essential for climate protection, stormwater management, water conservation, and human and wildlife habitat. Further, soil and site best practices are now required in an increasing number of local codes as part of Low Impact Development ordinances and soil protection regulations.

 This presentation will put participants on the cutting edge, with practical techniques for:

·         Soil improvement or “manufacturing”,

·         Protecting existing soil and vegetation,

·         Using compost and other organic amendments effectively,

·         Construction sequencing for site BMPs, and

·         Understanding how to specify and inspect soil and compost.

 Participants can also receive a specifications manual pertaining to compost use, and other print and online resources related to choosing, specifying and using compost.

      The webinar will be presented by Ron Alexander, R. Alexander & Associates

Mr. Alexander is a horticulturist and the President of R. Alexander Associates, Inc., a consulting company specializing in product development for organic recycled products. He has almost 40 years of experience working with compost and organic recycled products. Early in his career, Mr. Alexander was the Vice President of Marketing for one of the first compost brokerage firms. Since becoming a consultant, he has authored the ‘Field Guide to Compost Use’, ‘AASHTO Specifications for Compost Use in Erosion Control’, and ‘Landscape Architecture Specifications for Compost Utilization’, and more. Mr. Alexander was also the co-manager of the US Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance Program, the national compost testing program, and is the author of many State and national compost application specifications.