Use of compost in soil mixtures - Application in construction projects in South Tyrol
About this good practice
The use of compost as a structural material and soil conditioner, which often is not considered in construction works, will be briefly illustrated based on some construction projects, where it was applied.
HOFBURGGARTEN BRIXEN remediation and replenishment of the contaminated site
~ 2 ha of contaminated soil
Backfilling with ~ 7.000 m³ of 4 different soil mixtures containing compost
Actors inv.: REM-TEC srl, ERDBAU srl, Research center Laimburg
BNF: Municipality of Brixen
LANDFILL PFATTEN- COVER OF THE SOUTHERN FLANK
Construction of a long-term temporary mineral cover
~ 8.400m² to be greened
Recultivation layer with ~ 20% compost
Use of ~500m³ compost 0-40mm for improvement of geomechanically properties, high inclination angles up to 35° and long work sections
Actors inv.: ERDBAU srl, REM-TEM srl, Filcotec italia srl
BNF: Ecocenter spa, Autonomous Province of Bolzano
BACKFILLING WEINHOF
Remediation of an old gravel quarry, demolishing facilities,, replenishment of the
side (vineyard)
Backfilling ~ 300.000m³, ~ 3,8 ha with 1.000m³ of compost 0-12 and 0-40mm
The final layer for planting vines (Lagrein) - soil mixture of ~ 90% porphyry 0-80mm and 10% of compost
Actors inv.: ERDBAU GmbH
BNF: Weinhof Branzoll GmbH
MERAN (SINICH)– LANDFILL AND PROTECTIVE BARRIER
Protective barrier against rockfall and Landfill for contaminated soil
Length ~ 300m, ~ 8m high
Recultivation layer soil mixture with ~ 25% (~ 600m³) compost
Actors inv.: ERDBAU SRL
BNF: Autonomous Province of Bolzano
Resources needed
All projects utilized compost from our open paved windrow composting plant. Temperature-time-monitoring, hygienization 5d >55°C, min. 12 wks. Quality parameters by Aut.Prov.Bolzano followed legislative decree n.75/2010. Resource and personnel allocation isn’t feasible due to the project's overview
Evidence of success
In each of the applications reported, compost has replaced in different percentages the material that is usually used. On the one hand, this practice makes it possible to utilise surplus compost that is difficult to place, and on the other, it achieves the goal of making the soil to which the compost is applied more fertile and cultivable.
Potential for learning or transfer
The use of compost is often not taken into consideration in the planning of construction projects. The use of soil to backfill landscape areas can be problematic if there is no precise characterization of the soil, as the characteristics of the backfill material must be compatible with the target soil (Resolutions of the Provincial Council No. 102/2021, tab.1). The use of compost, derived from green material, is therefore an excellent alternative, which can be applied in a versatile manner to other situations. It is critical not to exceed a certain percentage of compost on the total mass, so as not to worsen the quality of the soil to be rewaxed/replanted. The success achieved in the cases described makes this application fruitfully exportable to other situations, considering local circumstances and local limits.
Good practice owner
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