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We collected 30 bagged composts from stores across the country. Right away we saw that there was a problem with the labeling—or rather, with the lack of information on the labels—of every single bag. The recommended application rates on the labels varied widely, too—from 4 inches to only 1/10 of an inch. When we opened the bags, we were in for more unpleasant surprises. Several manure-based composts were so wet and gooey that they looked like brown Play-Doh. A couple of the bags reeked of ammonia, which is a sure sign that they weren't fully composted. And several more contained shredded wood and bark that were mislabeled as compost.
Then we sent the samples to compost expert Will Brinton, Ph.D, president of Woods End Research Laboratory in Mount Vernon, Maine. His lab tests revealed even more problems, including excessively acidic or alkaline composts, high salt levels, and improper application rates on the labels. As we analyzed all the data, we discovered an easy way you can test compost quality right at home.
