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stigma. Compost characteristics desired by end-users vary with intended uses, but most compost

users look for the following elements (in order of importance):

➢ Quality (moisture; odor; feel; particle size; stability; nutrient concentration; product

consistency; and a lack of weed seeds, phytotoxic compounds, and other contaminants)
➢ Price (should be competitive with other composts, although high quality and

performance can justify a higher price)

➢ Appearance (uniform texture, relatively dry, earthy color)
➢ Information (product’s benefits, nutrient and pH analysis, and application rates and

procedures)
➢ Reliable supply

How compost is sold depends on the amount, quality, appearance, and seasonal availability.
Most compost is used in spring and early summer. Consider whether to sell compost in bulk, in

bags, or both. Bagging expands the potential market because bags can be sold at retail outlets.

Bagged compost may be sold at a higher price, which justifies higher transportation costs, and
thus, can support a larger market area. The bulk market usually stays at the local level due to

high transportation costs. The best markets for bulk sales are local nurseries, landscapers, and
home gardeners. The following are potential end-users for compost:

➢ Growers (greenhouse, container, sod, field, agriculture, silviculture)
➢ Landscapers/turf managers (commercial properties, sports turf, residential lawns,

cemeteries)

➢ Government agencies (parks, schools/universities, roadsides/highways, sports turf)
➢ Companies conducting land reclamation (landfills, sand/gravel pits, strip mines)

➢ Blenders/resellers (topsoil dealers/brokers, garden centers)

➢ Companies or agencies involved in environmental projects (wetlands, biofilters, erosion
control, soil remediation, water filters)

➢ Farmers (fruit, vegetable, field crops, organic)
➢ Owners of golf courses and cemeteries

➢ Homebuilders and buyers (new home builders, renovators, organic gardeners,
homeowners)

Rapidly expanding markets include homeowner use, custom topsoil blending, environmental
applications, and agricultural uses. There are a number of ways to improve the marketing of

your compost product. Hire staff who can talk about your products and their uses. Try selling

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