Innovative Use of Local Resources for Soils Development

The project entails the purchase and use of a tractor to mix and aerate compost piles using fish waste from a local fish processing plant. The protein will be composted with a range of local resources, including (but not limited to): kitchen scraps, wood chips, locally harvested peat moss, dirt, and grass clippings in a ratio not less than 4 parts carbon to one part fish, or used to produce a liquid fish-based fertilizer (hydrolysate). The grantee will produce a liquid fish hydrolysate formulated from fish parts, effective microorganisms (EM), and water. This liquid fish will be used as a foliar application on root vegetables. Both the compost and the liquid fish hydrolysate will be used at a local agricultural enterprise, located within 2 ½ miles from the partner fish processing plant.