Classifications of Soil Amendments
Colorado’s Organic Waste Solution
Green Recycling Services and Products With A1 Organics
At A1 Organics, our passion is to help reduce the amount of green waste that is taken to the landfills. To that end, we offer green recycling services to help you get rid of what you don’t need — landscape debris and food trash — and discover what you do need — premium soil and compost products. Ready to get started? Visit or contact us at the location nearest you along the Front Range, in Eaton, Keenesburg,Commerce City, or Englewood, CO.
Access the Green Recycling Services and Products you need at A1 Organics:
- Organic Recycling
- STA Certified Compost
- Premium 2nd Chance Mulch
- Organic Soil Blends
- Professional Growing Blends
- Landscape materials
- Aggregates
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More Than 4 Decades of Experience
Professional Growing Blends
Colorado’s Leader in Organic Recycling
The Classification System
The current Classification System is divided into four classes:
CLASS I: Fully composted, stabilized and mature product that is generally made from non-manure feedstocks. Will germinate and sustain plants without much risk due to over-application or poor incorporation. May be lower in total nutrient values — your "goof proof" product.
CLASS II: Fully composted, stabilized, and mature product that is generally made from manure- based feedstocks (dairy, poultry, equestrian, etc.). Proper application quantity and incorporation is important to plant germination and sustainability. Normally has an increased level of nutrients and can be used to supplement fertilizer needs.
CLASS III: Partially composted or dehydrated product. May be "shredded" or screened but is not mature or stable.
CLASS IV: Represents raw feedstock materials, such as manure.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CLASS OF PRODUCT INVOLVES 4 BASIC STEPS:
- Decide what application you will be using the compost for. Soil amendment for sod? Soil amendment for sensitive planting area? Etc.
- Decide what quantity do you want to apply. Do I need to add a lot of organic matter? Do I need a lot of nutrients added? How "good" is my soil overall?
- Determine the "risk factor" you are willing to accept: Can I properly incorporate the material? Is the slope too steep to allow thorough incorporation?
- Choose a classification that best meets your overall objective
In the past, landscape architects have requested product bids from suppliers and manufacturers, which included soil amendments that were based on a wide range of specifications and analytical data. Determining the right specification has always been a major dilemma for landscape architects and 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. 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.
Ready to get started with the soil amendment you need? Get started with a free quote!