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Composts

Compost

Standard CAN/BNQ 0413-200
Organic Soil Conditioners — Composts

The use of compost as a soil conditioner is an excellent fertilization method that is inexpensive and effective. However, manufacturers must ensure that compost is safe for human health and the environment. To that end, the BNQ developed the CAN/BNQ 0413-200 standard, for compost manufacturers. This national standard describes the physical, chemical and microbiologic properties of composts and specifies the appropriate sampling and analysis methods for evaluating these properties. The standard also deals with compost marking and labelling, and associated notices and warnings. It applies to composts from various sources that are used as organic soil conditioners, sold or distributed in bags or in bulk. The standard sets out requirements regarding the following areas:

  • physical and chemical properties (moisture content, total organic matter content, foreign matter content and level of trace elements);
  • microbiologic properties (fecal coliforms and salmonella levels);
  • maturity and stability.

 

Certification Offer

Certification is the best guarantee for compost buyers. Manufacturers can have their products recognized as meeting the requirements of the BNQ certification program. The program is based on four documents, including the certification protocol BNQ 0413-205, which specifies the program’s certification requirements and rules of procedure. To obtain certification, manufacturers must, among other things, demonstrate to the BNQ that their composts comply with the requirements of the standard CAN/BNQ 0413-200, and are free of matter that may cause harm or injury, either during or after use, to humans, animals or plants.

This certification program is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada.