Screening and Beneficial Re-Use of Large Animal Mortality Compost

This award is for Virginia Tech to provide a means of screening bones from Large Animal Mortality (LAM) compost to livestock producers in Virginia in order to encourage beneficial reuse of the compost. The specific objectives of this project are to: (1) - Evaluate and demonstrate the use of a Bucket Grinder for removal of bones from LAM compost on 100 farms in Virginia, (2) - Demonstrate to agribusinesses that it is economically feasible to provide bone screening equipment for rental. (At the present time, there is no commercial equipment available), (3) - Evaluate the nutrient content of screened LAM compost and provide guidance and support for the beneficial reuse by land application, (4) - Demonstrate the use of one or more additional methods of bone screening, (5) - Conduct outreach and education in Virginia about bone screening and beneficial reuse of compost, and (6) - Provide information on the effectiveness of bone screening and beneficial reuse to support the nutrient management component of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL Model.