Rocky Mountain Organics Council

The Rocky Mountain Organics Council (RMOC) promotes sustainable utilization of organic resources in the communities we serve. We focus on the production of quality organic products, developing markets for those products and educating our customers in their proper use and application.

If you have questions about membership in RMOC, please contact Bob Edmiston.

Rocky Mountain Region
Compost / Soil Amendment Classifications

The Rocky Mountain Region Compost / Soil Amendment Classifications chart represents the collective effort of compost producers, landscape contractors, soil scientists, horticulturists, landscape architects and soil testing laboratories. The objective was the development of a classification system that would serve as a common basis of communication between compost producers and users, leading to increased use of quality compost and soil amendment products.

Three basic areas of evaluation are used to determine the correct class for a given compost or soil amendment product. These three areas are:

• Analytical – The top half identifies four very important stability/maturity indicators and seven additional areas of analytical criteria, providing a comprehensive basis of evaluation for the product. Providing specific laboratory analysis information on the product is a requirement of the system.
• Manufacturing – In order to maintain the integrity of this classification system each compost producer is required to certify that they follow all state, local and federal guidelines and procedures for the production of Class A compost for unrestricted use and distribution.
• Application/Risk Assessment – No product is without risk. Because of this, the last three categories of the chart list appropriate uses, application, and incorporation information for each class of material.

The Rocky Mountain Region Compost / Soil Amendment Classifications chart assigns specific parameters and acceptable ranges for each class of material. Yet compost and amendment’s are complex biological products that will at times yield variations in numerical data within a given compost or soil amendment product. The producer is responsible to certify the class of their products. It is up to the buyer’s discretion to accept a certified product that is well within most stability/maturity ranges, but slightly out of other less important analytical ranges. The compost producer should be open to providing a supplemental explanation of slight variations and their projected consequences should they exist. Again, the objective of this system is the establishment of a common basis of communication so the customer gets the correct product that will produce the desired results.

The Rocky Mountain Region Compost / Soil Amendment Classifications chart endeavors to improve customer confidence in compost and compost products. It will improve purchasing decisions, customer satisfaction and the results received through proper product use. The classification system is periodically reviewed by the Rocky Mountain Organics Council and will be adapted to reflect advancements in the industry. Those compost producers, who support, adhere to and promote the Rocky Mountain Region Compost / Soil Amendment Classifications chart will establish a higher standard of accountability for their products and the entire industry.

Rocky Mountain Organics Council – Colorado Association for Recycling