Eko Compost

Information may not be reliable

Being a state-funded entity, Boise State University can not endorse commercial products. The facts of this case history, however, are as stated by Irene Vogel, Center For Horticulture Technology, BSU.

PROBLEM: BSU's usual early spring shipment of EKO Greenhouse Mix was delayed. The calendulas, however, had to be transplanted and couldn't await the arrival of the EKO mix. Brand X was used as a substitute and the calendulas were transplanted in late February.

SOLUTION: For spring planting, BSU received the regular shipment of EKO's Greenhouse Mix. They transplanted another batch of calendulas in late April, two months after the use of Brand X.RESULTS: By June 20th, just eight weeks later, the calenduals in EKO were bigger, fuller, greener, healthier than those planted in Brand X four months earlier.

Amazed by this difference in plant growth, BSU wanted to examine the root sturcture of both Brand X and EKO. On June 30th, they tipped samples out of their pots from both batches. Those in EKO showed far great root mass and density than those in Brand X.

"The response was incredible. Within one week the turf turned a shade of green that we were unable to achieve with chemicals!" Sidney Sparkman, Director, Landscaping and Waterfeatures

PROBLEM: Despite a healthy appearance due to an aggressive granular and liquid fertilizer program, the turf was starting to yellow because of the high salt levels and elevated pH. Fern beds and planters were chlorotic with a dry appearance, suffered from mite infestations, and recovered slowly after trimming.

SOLUTION: Five acres of Luaue fern beds and Bougainvillea planters received 1/4 inch topdressing of EKO compost. The Seashore Paspalum turf received 3/8 to 1/2 inch of topdressing.

RESULTS: Within 2 to 4 weeks the ferns and Bougainvilleas had attained a lush healthy appearance. They recovered from trimming 30% to 40% faster, and insect problems had noticeably decreased.

The turf responded to the topdressing within one week with vigorous green growth. Water consumption was reduced by 30%. Fertilizer consumption was reduced by 50%. Weeding was reduced by 70%.

"Growing a profitable farm requires growing sellable crops. EKO Compost turned my red dirt into soil... which turned my crops, and my bottom line, a richer shade of green." David Ishii, Owner, Ishii Farms

PROBLEM: The soil's talcum powder consistency makes it erode and flow down Haleakala's steep slopes as if it were still lava. The hot, dry climate of Maui's leeward, or desert, side quickly breaks down the soil, depleting it of nutrients.

SOLUTION: EKO Compost was tilled into the soil. The initial rate was 30 to 60 cubic yards per acre, depending upon the terrace. The on-going rate before each planting is 15 to 25 cubic yards per acre.

RESULTS: The humus from the compost bound the powdery soil particles into aggregates. These aggregates helped retain nutrients and moisture, making the soil crumbly and more workable.

The rich nutrients of the compost kept the plants growing right through the hot, dry summer months.Best, and most important of all, while it took the same amount of time to reach harvest, the cabbages and baby greens were much bigger, much healthier, with much rounder heads. All three of which fetch better prices at local markets.

"The growth rate of turf grasses and native grasses was enhanced. Within one week turf grasses were sprouting, and a healthy canopy developed quickly." Mark Pokorny, Construction Manager, Atlantic Richfield

PROBLEM: The Old Works, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, was designed to clean up and beautify one of America's largest Superfund sites. The course faced the staggering task of bringing back to life soil depleted by more than 100 years of mining.

SOLUTION: Mining waste material was capped with 2" of limerock, 16" of clay, and 6" of topsoil. The topsoil was amemded with 40,000 cubic yards of EKO Compost at a ratio of 85% soil / 15% compost by volume.

RESULTS: The amended soil improved the infiltration rate and bulk density which made it easier to grow healthy turf that resists compaction.

Fairway and rough playability and durability were enhanced. Background landscapes were full, lush, and bright.

To minimize tree shock during transplanting, a mixture of 80% compost / 20% loam soil was used. Trees recovered quickly, maintaining foliage and vibrancy.

"Overall plant density, color, and tiller development improved dramatically in less than three weeks after applying EKO Compost." Dan Macias, Turf Consultant, Seed Specialists, Inc.

PROBLEM: As with most regularly played athletic fields, the ground was highly compacted, there was very poor plant population, high traffic areas were especially worn thin, and there were numerous dry spots throughout the playing field.

SOLUTION: Aerate the entire field in a vertical, horizontal, and diagonal criss-cross pattern. Topdress with 1/4" EKO Lawn Topdressing, break up cores, backfill holes, and water.

RESULTS: The turf responded almost immediately to the topdressing and within three weeks was a vigorous green.

Overall plant density was greatly improved, with bare and dead spots filling in.

Tim Mack, Golf Superintendent, was given two cubic yard bulk bag samples of EKO compost. Sitting for months, Tim was coaxed into finally trying them. With out any specific test plot, Tim threw them into his twin augur spreader and picked a fairway, thinking he'd get rid of the EKO salesman. What a surprise!

PROBLEM: Avondale Golf & Tennis Club was experiencing problems with moisture and nutrient retention due to poor soils. The turf was not responding to regular fertilizer applications.

SOLUTION: As an experiment, sections of the dry fairway areas were topdressed with 1/4" of EKO compost.

RESULTS: Fairway areas that received EKO compost showed significant improvement within a week or two of application.

The turf immediately became a lush green and plant density increased dramatically.

Two weeks after application, bare areas were filling in by aggressive rhizome development that previously was not observed with regular fertilizer applications.

This educational sheet talks about the 16 elements necessary for plant health ("take your vitamins"); about the pH of your soil ("eat Chinese food -- sweet and sour soils"); and, the importance of humus, both for your plants as well as yourself ("have a sense of humus").

It's available free and includes a simple home way of testing your soil. Simply e-mail us your name and address using the Contact Page and we'll send it right out.

Once you've selected your project and your type of soil, the guide will tell you which EKO product works best, how much you'll need for the square footage you have, and the steps necessary for successful results.

The EKO Compost Gardening Tips are seasonal tips written and edited by Master Gardeners.

These tips are written and published twice a year... once for the Spring and Summer... once for the Fall and Winter.

Look for them at the retailer where EKO products are sold or you can have us mail them to you. Simply send us by e-mail your name and address using the Contact Page of our web site.

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