In the past, landscape architects have requested product bids from suppliers/manufacturers, which included soil amendments that were based on a wide range of specifications/analytical data. Determining the right specification has always been a major dilemma for landscape architects/designers. The actual product and quantity delivered were often in question and hard to verify.

The landscaping industry has long needed a system for classifying soil amendments – some way for landscape architects to determine the best product and quantity required for the specific applications on their project. Let’s face it…the wrong product or wrong application can be very costly to the project and result in poor performance of expensive plants, grasses and trees.

A1 Organics felt it was time to develop a classification system for compost – one which takes into account a number of different parameters and requirements which must be met. By utilizing a compost classification system and standardizing the industry, everyone benefits in the process. Landscape architects will ask for and receive the right compost to make the project a success in the long term by simply identifying the Class (I, II, III, IV) of product needed for the specific application within their project. The landscape contractor will know exactly what kind of compost they need to obtain for the project and can verify its integrity and the volumes delivered to the project. And, finally, the producer is held accountable for their compost by substantiating its quality and classification according to three important areas of evaluation: analytical, manufacturing criteria, and product application/risk.