The Gold Ridge and Sonoma Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) are happy to announce that new funding has become available to assist with the cost of compost application on agricultural lands in Sonoma County! This Carbon Sequestration Pilot Project (Project) aims to increase carbon sequestration through the application of compost on multiple properties in both agricultural and community settings throughout Sonoma County.
This will be structured as a reimbursement program, and if selected, rebates of up to 85% or up to $25,000 of costs will be awarded to agricultural producers for compost materials and associated freight costs. Cost of spreading of compost is ineligible for rebate, but acceptable as cost share. Applicants receiving awards will be responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and applying the compost before rebate payments are issued. Compost used for the project needs to be thoroughly composted, provided by a qualified supplier, and have appropriate C:N ratios and moisture content. For additional compost rebate resources visit: Compost Rebate | Zero Waste Sonoma.
Awardees will be granted rebates through a competitive ranking process. Applications will be due by March 31, 2023, and applicants will be notified if they are receiving an award by the end of April. Awardees will work with their RCD to develop a written agreement in spring 2023. This agreement will clarify the conditions required for compost application and the rebate payment terms. The compost needs to be procured and applied on the awardee's agricultural lands by November 1, 2023. Following verification of the compost application, rebates will be processed and sent to the awardee.
Important Dates:
➢ Applications are due - March 31, 2023
➢ Notification on rebate awards will be made by the end of April, 2023
➢ Agreements for awards will be completed by early July, 2023
➢ Compost must be applied by: November 1, 2023
Why apply compost on agricultural properties?
Compost provides many practical agricultural and soil health benefits. These include: increasing beneficial biological activity in the soil, improving soil structure, increasing organic matter in the soil, improving water infiltration rates and overall water holding capacity, providing nutrients and minerals, improving crop and forage production, controlling erosion, and improving soil health and function in general. For more information on the benefits of using compost click here.
Where is the funding Coming From?
The County of Sonoma has allocated money to the local RCDs to assist producers in applying compost on their agricultural lands through the Project. It is part of the Climate Resiliency Fund established by the County, from a PG&E wildfire settlement award to use toward short-term projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and otherwise help local communities adapt to climate change and its effects. This program will be overseen by the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA), in collaboration with the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, Zero Waste Sonoma, Sonoma Resource Conservation District, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, Carbon Cycle Institute, Daily Acts, and several additional community partners.
What is the Goal of the Project?
The goal of the Project is to assist in applying compost on agricultural lands, bring greater awareness and education on the value of applying compost, and sequester as much carbon in agricultural soils and vegetation as possible. Success of the project will be measured by acres of land treated, tons of compost applied, and estimated carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation.
Who should apply?
Awards will be made to active agriculturists farming and ranching in Sonoma County; the project aims to provide awards to agriculturists in all 5 Supervisorial Districts of the county. This includes operations for grazing, viticulture, orchards, and croplands, where income is generated from sales of farm or ranch products, and it is appropriate and beneficial to apply compost. Ranking priorities for awards include:
➢ Farms and ranches that have developed or are developing a carbon farm plan
➢ Underserved and socially disadvantaged farmers
➢ Farms and ranches that have done planning and implementation for habitat conservation
water conservation, or community education
➢ Compost applications that demonstrate favorable cost benefit opportunities
➢ Farms and ranches that have not received financial support from the RCD before
➢ Farms and ranches participating in the CAL Recycle Zero Waste Rebate Program
Applicants need to make sure there is sufficient space to accommodate compost deliveries, transfer compost from the delivery site to the actual application areas in the field, and the means to spread the compost on the ground. This work can be done by the applicant or qualified contractors. Awardees will also need to allow RCD staff to enter the site and verify the compost application.
Rebates are for compost with appropriate Carbon to Nitrogen (C:N) ratios and moisture content. Aged manure by itself is not considered compost, but can be a valuable component of compost. Compost applied should be made from appropriate source materials such as grape pomace, leaves, grass, livestock manure, etc. Source materials that may have potentially dangerous contaminants, such as composted bio-waste from wastewater treatment plants, are not allowed. Additional compost requirements are listed below.
Application Rates:
➢ Grazed rangelands: Make a one-time ¼” application of compost on grazing areas. This equals roughly 17.5 tons or 35 cubic yards per acre. This rate provides for maximum carbon sequestration potential and improved pasture productivity. Areas should be grazed before application to avoid applying compost over thatch. Use best grazing management practices after application, including adequate rest periods. Areas must be actively grazed in the year following compost application. Grazing can be the best tool to promote optimal forage productivity and species composition, following the application of compost.
➢ Vineyard: Apply 3-10 tons (6-20 cubic yards) per acre. Compost can be banded near vines or broadcast over the entire vineyard area. Broadcasting helps achieve optimal cover crop production. Soil and petiole testing, along with visual observation can help determine best rate for application.
➢ Orchard: Apply 2-8 tons (4-16 cubic yards) per acre. Compost can be banded near trees or broadcast over the entire orchard area. Broadcasting helps achieve optimal cover crop production. Soil testing can help determine the best rate for application.
➢ Row Crops: Apply 5-10 tons (10-20 cubic yards) per acre. Soil tests can help determine the best rate for application.
➢ Compost Type: Compost used for the Project should have a high Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (C:N), to avoid undesirable species changes on rangelands, maximize carbon (energy) input, and reduce costs. Compost with C:N ratios of 11:1 or higher should be used. High nitrogen composts are most appropriately used on high N-demand crops. Your compost supplier can provide C:N ratios and other relevant information on the compost you are purchasing. For more information click here.
Avoid Applying Compost in These Scenarios:
➢ Slopes over 20% (for safety reasons when using machinery)
➢ On special status soils such as Serpentine and Histosols. Special status plant communities include native-dominated plant communities, such as coastal prairie. This information is available on the NRCS Web Soil Survey website and app, or the RCD can help you identify if you have these types of soils.
➢ Less than 35’ from the edge of waterways. Buffers between waterways and compost application areas should be vegetated. Nutrients in compost are typically less soluble than amendments, such as manures or synthetic fertilizers, but they can negatively impact waterways if compost material washes into them.
➢ Less than 100 feet from groundwater wells
Interested?
If you are interested in compost application and believe that you can comply with the criteria mentioned above, then we invite you to apply! We are accepting applications now, and it is available here. The deadline to submit your application is March 31, 2023.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Carbon Sequestration through Compost Application 2022-2023
Please contact your local RCD with questions or to obtain assistance to fill out the form.
Keith Abeles at Sonoma RCD: [email protected]
Angel Arcuri at Gold Ridge RCD: [email protected]