The Compost Research & Education Foundation (CREF) hosted the interactive webinar, The Role of Food Waste Compost in Soil Fertility Management. Led by Daisy D’Angelo (Scotts Miracle-Gro / The Ohio State University), the session highlighted research on food scrap compost and its potential as a soil amendment. With U.S. food waste collection increasing by nearly 50% since 2021, finding productive outlets for this material is becoming increasingly important. While most existing research has focused largely on other types of compost (manure, yard trimmings), D’Angelo examined food scraps—an under-studied and growing feedstock.
Food Scraps Compost on Soil Health & Crop Performance
The presentation overviewed two related studies conducted by D’Angelo. The first study examined the effects of food scrap compost on soil health and crop performance in different regions and contrasting soil types (clay in Ohio and sand in Florida).
- Field trials demonstrated that food scrap compost improves soil water availability and structure while reducing runoff risk.
- Yields were higher in compost-amended plots at lower fertilizer rates, showing the material’s strong potential to supplement and reduce traditional fertilizer use.
As an adjacent study, supported by the Ohio Organics Council, evaluated six composts from various food waste sources in tomato and pepper trials.
- Results showed that food scrap compost significantly increased amount of carbon and organic matter in soil, and positively impacted the soil’s ability to hold nutrients, compared to unamended soil control
- Most of the composts studied improved crop yields, and when combined with reduced fertilizer applications outperformed soil alone.
- Beyond improving soil properties and supporting plant growth, the research also demonstrated a community “sharing” benefit: excess tomatoes and peppers from the trials were donated to Columbus-area food banks, redirecting food from waste streams to local tables.
D’Angelo’s research underscores the practical value of food scrap compost for soil management and crop production. The work provides organics professionals with actionable insights for optimizing compost use and highlights how food scrap compost can both supplement traditional fertility inputs and serve as an effective tool for soil improvement and efficient resource use.
Additional Resources from Daisy's Presentation
