Registration Eligibility
Landscape professionals including contractors, designers, architects, arborists, and growers.
Start Date
02/03/2021
End Date
02/03/2022
Description
Organic matter improves soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. Many urban and suburban soils lack an adequate amount of organic matter to support soil and plant health, which is an important component of good quality landscaping, but it is often overlooked. Here, we will cover the use of Exceptional Quality (EQ) biosolids (air-dried and composted biosolids) as soil organic amendments for landscaping in the Chicago metropolitan region. For over 30 years, EQ biosolids have been used for both large- and small-scale projects in the Chicago area. The renovation of the renowned Maggie Daley Park in the city of Chicago has been one of the examples of using EQ biosolids as an organic amendment with great success largely due to fast plant establishment and cost saving. Small-scale rain gardens have been established in Chicago residential areas using EQ biosolids due to benefits for water management by improving both soil water-holding capacity and drainage. The increase in soil organic matter through the use of EQ biosolids also improves soil structure, allowing better root penetration and establishment. Exceptional Quality compost enables soils to retain nutrients longer and allows plants to more effectively utilize nutrients, thereby minimizing the potential for nutrient loss by leaching and reducing fertilizer costs. This presentation will discuss the benefits of EQ biosolids as organic amendments for landscaping projects and describe how to incorporate these organic amendments into your projects from quick establishment of plants at construction sites to upkeep of healthy vegetation in gardens and other landscaping.
Distance Learning
Yes
Course Equivalency
No
Subjects
Sustainable Development & Design
Water / Stormwater Management
Health, Safety and Welfare
Yes
Hours
1.0
Learning Outcomes
The audience will learn
-the benefits of incorporating organic matter into landscaping projects,
-how to utilize organic amendments, such as EQ biosolids in the construction phase of small to large scale projects,
-how to utilize EQ biosolids in maintenance of landscape projects,
-the cost-saving benefits of utilizing EQ biosolids, a free organic amendment,
Instructors
Theresa Johnston, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Course Codes
Illinois Landscape Contractors Association
Provider
Illinois Landscape Contractors Association