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Compost Testing Program
Compost
testing is important for characterizing the beneficial physical and chemical
properties of a compost, as well as, for identifying potential problems with
compost use.
The laboratory employs testing procedures from the U.S. Compost
Council’s Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Composts.
Free sample mailers and submission forms are available from the
laboratory or from the county
offices of the Penn State Cooperative Extension.
Alternatively, you may submit your compost sample in your own container.
Sample size required is listed with each test below.
Please submit payment with your sample with checks made payable to The
Pennsylvania State University.
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These
tests include analyses for percent solids, organic matter, soluble salts, and
carbon:nitrogen ratio. Compost
Tests 1B and 1C include additional tests for nutrients. Test 1A is recommended as an initial test for feedstocks to help
determine appropriate mixing ratios. This
test may also be used as a basic test for finished compost although nutrient
testing (Compost Tests 1B or 1C) on finished composts is recommended.
Compost
Test 1A: Percent solids, organic
matter, pH, soluble salts, total
nitrogen,
total
carbon, Carbon:Nitrogen ratio..…........………………........
$40.00
Compost
Test 1B: Compost Test 1A plus
ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus
and
potassium………………………...…………………………...…............ $55.00
Compost
Test 1C: Compost Test 1A plus ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
aluminum, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, copper,
iron, sulfur and zinc…………………………………...................................
$75.00
Sample
size required for Compost Tests 1A, 1B, or 1C:
approximately 1 quart
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These tests
are recommended for feedstocks and finished composts that may contain metals and
other pollutants. Compost Test 2A includes all analyses listed under Compost Test 1C (above)
plus the EPA 503 pollutants (arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury,
molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc). Compost
Test 2B includes an additional test for PCBs and satisfies the requirements of
DEP Chapter 271, General Permit, Sewage Sludge Quality Test.
Compost
Test 2A: Percent
solids, organic matter, pH, soluble salts, total
nitrogen,
total carbon, carbon:nitrogen ratio, ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium,
calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, manganese, sodium, sulfur,
arsenic,
cadmium, copper, lead, molybdenum, mercury, nickel, selenium, and zinc.....
$270.00
Compost
Test 2B: Compost
Test 2A plus PCBs…..…………………..
$350.00s
Sample
size required for Compost Tests 2A or 2B: approximately
1 quart
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These
tests provide the analyses required for compost producers involved with the U.S.
Compost Council’s Seal of Testing Approval (STA) Program.
Compost
Test 3A: Percent solids, organic matter, pH, soluble salts, total
nitrogen,
total carbon, carbon:nitrogen ratio, ammonium-nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium calcium, magnesium, arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead,
mercury,
molybdenum, nickel, selenium, zinc, respirometry test,
bioassay,
particle size (< 9.5 mm), and fecal coliform….....…….....................................……………...
$350.00
Compost
Test 3A-no fecal coliform: Compost Test 3A but fecal coliform not included............................................................................................ $340.00
Note: sample does not need to be shipped on ice.
Compost
Test 3B:
Compost Test 3A without EPA 503 pollutants (arsenic, cadmium,
copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium and zinc) and
without fecal coliform…………..…………………………...………........
$200.00
Sample
size required for Compost Test 3A or 3B: approximately
2 quarts
Samples
submitted for Compost Test 3A with fecal coliform should be shipped on ice by overnight mail and
received by the laboratory no later than Thursday, 11:30 AM of a given week.
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Bulk Density:
If a bulk density test is requested, analyses will be
reported
on
a volume basis (lb/yd3)
in addition to a weight basis. ……..................
$12.00
(2-
quart sample size required)
Particle Size:
Provides aggregate size classification of compost using
50mm (2-in), 25mm (1 in.), 15mm (5/8 in), 9.5mm (3/8 in) and
4mm(1/8 in) sieves.................................................................................$45.00
(1- quart sample size required)
Respirometry
(CO2
Evolution) Test: Evaluates the relative stability
(biological
activity) of a compost based on a 4-day measurement of CO2
evolved
during Compost incubation…………………....………………...........
$100.00
(1-
pint sample size required)
Bioassay:
Screens for the presence of phytotoxins in compost based on
seedling
emergence and growth of cucumber in compost/vermiculite mix
relative
to control..................................................................................
$75.00
(1- quart sample size required)
Nitrate Nitrogen:
...............................................................................$15.00
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Calcium
Carbonate Equivalence (CCE): (includes
percent solids)...............$25.00
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Faxing Report (cost per page): ............................................................$1.00
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Fees effective 7/01/12
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