Compost Consortium

Welcome to the Compost Consortium! Join us at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center on March 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM (Eastern Time). Meet Florida's industry leaders and UF/IFAS researchers. Future trends and compost utilization will be discussed.

Info: Saqib Mukhtar, Professor and Associate Dean of Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources, UF/IFAS. Dr. Saqib Mukhtar provides leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of IFAS/Extension's major initiatives that address critical issues in Florida's food, agricultural, natural resources, and horticultural production systems.

Info: The DFB Compost Pilot Program tested a small-scale, community-based approach to diverting food waste from the landfill through residential collection and drop-off options, the first of its kind in S. Florida. The pilot demonstrated strong participation, operational feasibility, and meaningful waste diversions. This presentation will highlight key outcomes and lessons learned which are helping guide local composting programs.

Info: Composting is an extremely effective method of recycling, showcasing its potential to address the 30% of organic waste present in our waste stream. Despite its obvious benefits, the initiation of composting practices can be hindered by various local and state regulations, making the process seemingly impracticable. In this presentation, my primary emphasis will revolve around examining the existing regulations pertaining to composting and shedding light on the factors that shape and influence them.

Info: An overview of current composting practices, emerging trends, and the operational, regulatory and market challenges affecting organics diversion today.

Info: Composting has many advantages and limitations with its use in Florida in landscape, turf and nursery applications. Nutrient contents of several types of compost will be discussed, along with pH and longevity factors. Positive and negative outcomes, along with explanations as to why, and the outlook for compost moving forward.

Info: Compost is often evaluated under different analytical frameworks depending on its usage. This presentation will compare key similarities and differences between compost testing for nutrient management planning and for soilless substrate performance. Emphasis will be placed on how sampling methods, extraction procedures, and data interpretation shift based on procedure.

Info: This presentation will highlight the future of composting in Florida and how Floridians, through research and teamwork, can make it work.

Info: Panel discussion between leading composting companies across the state. Each brings their own unique story and perspective on the current landscape of composting in Florida.

Info: Panel discussion by UF researchers working in the field of composting and soil sciences. Each will highlight their field, research and how these applications can benefit Florida stakeholders.

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