At all of the B.O.S.S. Compost facilities, we utilize specially engineered compost turners to rotate, mix, and inject oxygen into the compost windrows.  This aeration helps to facilitate the aerobic bacterial break-down of the organic feedstocks.  The healthy micro-life heats up the compost windrows to over 140 degrees F during the weeks/months of the composting process.  The windrows are turned at a minimum of five times to ensure the pathogen elimination of E.coli and salmonella bacteria.  

 Black Tea Compost consists of a special combination proven Agricultural By-Products consisting of:  premium dairy/cattle manures, nutrient-rich equine bedding (that contains flailed wood shavings, alfalfa, and straw), along with virgin alpine wood (free of any chemical treatments). After all these ingredients have been mixed, composted, and cured we end up with premium compost diverse in healthy micro-live.
**Please Note** Black Tea Compost contains NONE, and 100% FREE of: Bio-Solids (sewage sludge), Animal Mortalities, Industrial By-Products (oil/hydrocarbon waste), and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).
Black Tea Compost  has been monitored and documented under strict production guidelines. Time, temperature, and aeration events have been completed and documented to meet the Colorado Department of Health standards for pathogen destruction.  Tests for nutrients, pH, salts, maturity, stability, select pathogens and trace metals are taken periodically in accordance with all governing bodies. Test results are available upon request.

I. USING COMPOST AS A SOIL AMENDMENT. THESE ARE COMMON APPLICATION RATES FOR VEGETABLE AND LANDSCAPE BEDS:Application rates are highly dependent on the characteristics of the original soil. Very coarse-textured (sandy) or fine-textured (clay) soils require greater amounts of compost than loam-based soils.  For best results, submit compost, soil, and soil/compost blend samples to an STA certified laboratory for expert analysis and recommendations by a trained professional.Recommended rates of compost depend mostly on soil and compost characteristics, and may be further defined by specific requirements of the plants.  In general, poor quality soils should be amended with 3 to 6 cubic yards of compost per 1,000 square feet.  This equates to a 1-2 inch layer incorporated 4-6 inches deep and 20-30% compost by volume. Do not plant directly into compost.  Compost should be blended thoroughly with soil and/or other non-compost amendments (such as peat moss if greater organic matter is needed for soil conditions).  Once the compost is incorporated evenly and before planting, an additional soil test for the possible additions of soil sulfur or gypsum and to assist in the development of an initial fertilizer program has also worked for some soils during this amendment process. 

Step 1: Evenly apply a 1-2 inch layer of compost (3-6 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet). Application rates will vary depending upon soil conditions, climate, compost characteristics, and desired plant species.Step 2: Apply the compost by hand; with a hand tool such as a shovel or rake; or, with a tractor, spreader, or compost blower.Step 3: Incorporate the compost 4-6 inches deep by hand or with a rototiller or other implement evenly throughout the planting site.Step 4: Smooth the soil surface with a rake or other implement.Step 5: Plant ornamental herbaceous and small woody plants in the amended soil using recommended procedures. If seeding, gently rake the surface after planting.Step 6: Water thoroughly but slowly and keep the planting bed evenly moist through the establishment phase. Fertilize only when and if recommended.

Properly applied mulch buffers soil temperature, retains moisture, controls weeds, and protects woody trunks from mechanical damage from lawn mowers and weed whips.Step 1: Evenly apply compost 2-3 inches depth (6-9 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet). Our Black Tea CompostTM  can be applied to a depth of 3 inches.Step 2: Carefully spread compost around the base of plants using a shovel or rake. Reduce the chance of diseases and insects by not placing mulch against tree trunks or plant stems.Step 3: Use a rake to smooth and even the mulch layer.Step 4: For singular trees and shrubs, mulch should be applied several inches away from tree trunks outward to the dripline and never touch the tree. A soil berm may be formed around the trunk before mulching to hold water.Step 5: Once applied, the mulch may need to be watered to help keep it in place. To improve weed control, plastic mulches, landscape fabric or newspaper may be applied prior to mulching.IV. OTHER APPLICATIONS FOR Black Tea CompostTM 

Top-dressing with compost helps retain moisture in newly seeded lawns and may help rejuvenate existing lawns. Lawns often become compacted over time from foot traffic, play, and mowing, which prevents air, water, and nutrients from circulating freely through the turf's root zone. After sowing lawn grass seeds or to an existing lawn, apply a thin layer — about 1/4-inch — of compost as top-dressing. Irrigate immediately aftertop-dressing (unless rain does the job for you). Water disperses the compost evenly among the grass blades.

What is NOT in Black Tea Compost:  Black Tea Compost does not contain any animal mortalities, industrial waste, city or municipal human sludges, or biosolids*.  Think of all the things you flush down the toilet.  We’re NOT about to sell it BACK to you to put on your front lawn (or worse, in your vegetable garden).  Chemicals meeting chemicals while in the sewage system may form new compounds.  B.O.S.S. Compost is not convinced that composting alone can make biosolids and sludges safe. 

There are some local compost companies that choose to add biosolids to their products, brand them with an eco-friendly sounding name, make a sale, and then everyone just hopes for the best. 

Since 1978 B.O.S.S Compost Inc. has never and will choose to never handle, process, or include biosolids in any of its product lines.  NEVER.

(*Biosolids are materials derived from domestic human or commercial generated sewage that is processed in a treatment facility.)