PROJECTS
Compost Application on Rangeland for Hydrological Restoration
The Project
The project proposes to apply compost generated from Bay Area municipal composting programs to San Francisco PUC-owned rangelands for hydrological restoration and carbon sequestration. This initiative would utilize the 40,000+ acres of rangeland owned by San Francisco PUC and the hundreds of thousands of tons of compost produced annually by Bay Area cities. The project is based on the successful model demonstrated by the Marin Carbon Project, which showed significant benefits from applying even a thin layer of compost to rangelands. Crucially, the project will involve training individuals from underinvested and indigenous communities to carry out management and monitoring activities, ensuring successful project outcomes while providing valuable job skills and employment opportunities.
The Purpose
This project aims to create a multifaceted approach to environmental stewardship and community empowerment. By applying compost to rangelands, we seek to enhance soil water retention and raise lowered water tables, directly contributing to hydrological restoration of these vital ecosystems. Simultaneously, this practice will significantly increase carbon sequestration in soils, playing a crucial role in San Francisco's efforts to meet its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals. The project also provides a sustainable solution for municipal compost utilization, effectively closing the loop on organic waste management in the Bay Area. Through demonstration of improved rangeland management practices on city-owned properties, we hope to set a precedent for large-scale ecological restoration initiatives.
This approach not only addresses ecological concerns but also promotes social equity and economic development by creating meaningful job opportunities and providing valuable skills training for individuals from underinvested and indigenous communities.
The Outcomes
Based on findings from the Marin Carbon Project and related research:
- Enhanced soil water holding capacity: Application of 1/4 inch of compost increased plant production by 50% and forage quality by 50%, resulting in improved soil structure and water infiltration rates.
- Increased carbon sequestration: A single application of compost was found to increase soil carbon storage by 1 ton per hectare per year, with effects lasting more than 30 years after initial application.
- Improved rangeland productivity: Compost application led to a 40-70% increase in grass production, which could benefit grazing operations on the rangelands.
- Climate change mitigation: Each acre of treated rangeland could sequester approximately 1 metric ton of carbon per year, potentially offsetting thousands of tons of CO2 annually across the 40,000 acres of San Francisco PUC-owned rangelands.
- Water conservation: Improved soil water retention could lead to reduced water runoff and increased groundwater recharge, supporting local water resources.
- Waste reduction: Beneficial use of municipal compost would divert organic waste from landfills, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Workforce development: A cadre of trained individuals from underinvested and indigenous communities will gain expertise in rangeland management, environmental monitoring, and ecological restoration techniques.
- Community empowerment: Involving local communities in the project will foster a sense of ownership and stewardship of the land, potentially leading to long-term engagement in environmental conservation efforts.
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