Compost Covers Offer Multiple Benefits

Compost Covers Offer Multiple Benefits MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 30-3-19 composting more efficient by controlling moisture, reducing curing times, and improving product quality. At the same time, odors and fly populations are also reduced. The product is made by Texel, Inc., of Quebec, Canada, and distributed worldwide by Champlain Valley Compost Co. of Charlotte, Vt. Compostex is made from 100% UV-protected polypropylene fibers to provide many years of trouble-free use. The material is lightweight, breathable, durable and reusable. "Controlled tests prove that Compostex reduces nutrient losses and increases temperatures inside the compost windrow," says the company. "In wet conditions Compostex sheds up to 100 percent of the rain and snowmelt from a covered pile, but is completely permeable to oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. In dry conditions Compostex reduces moisture loss from sun and wind." The covers protect finished compost from windblown weed seeds and reduce processing costs for screening, bagging, and freight by minimizing moisture and weight. Covers are typically secured to the piles by placing anchors along the bottom edge of the covered piles û ideal anchors are sandbags or truck tire sidewalls. Grommets are available to improve ease of handling, for linking multiple covers together, and to hold the covers in place. Handling can also be mechanized with a motorized rolling device or a "threading frame" that can be attached to most pull-behind turners. The covers are also available in custom sizes at no extra charge. Prices are $1.57 per sq. yrd. (FOB Quebec, Canada) for large orders, and small orders are priced at $2.40 per sq. yrd. plus postage from Vermont. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Champlain Valley Compost Co., Charlotte, Vt. (ph 802 425-5556; fax 802 425-5557; info @cvcompost.com; www.cvcompost.com/covers).

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