In field trials in Merced, a tomato farm recorded much higher yields using California Safe Soil LLC fertilizer.
California Safe Soil, based in West Sacramento, uses enzymes to convert supermarket food waste into organic fertilizer.
The company is testing its concepts using a small pilot plant in West Sacramento and farms across the state.
Diedrich Farms in Dos Palos recorded a yield of 83.4 tons per acre, much higher than the statewide average of 47 tons per acre.
“Anyone who knows tomatoes will look at that tonnage number and take notice,” said Dan Morash, founder of California Safe Soil.
The company’s fertilizer costs less than chemical competitors and it is environmentally far less damaging if it runs off into waterways. Diedrich Farms is next to the San Joaquin River.
The company is also working on field trials on leafy green crops, strawberries, almonds and grapevines, he said. Early results look promising, he said.
“If you can prove to the farmers that you can improve their economics, they are all for it,” Morash said.
Following more field trials this year, the company plans to commercialize the product next year on an industrial scale. Whereas now it gets food waste from nine supermarkets, it hopes to get its products from 500 supermarkets.
Grocery stores usually have to pay to have waste hauled away; Safe Soil collects the waste for free.
Traditional composting takes months to safely convert food scraps to soil. Safe Soil uses enzymes to digest the food into safe amendments in three hours.
California Safe Soil, based in West Sacramento, uses enzymes to convert supermarket food waste into organic fertilizer.
The company is testing its concepts using a small pilot plant in West Sacramento and farms across the state.
Diedrich Farms in Dos Palos recorded a yield of 83.4 tons per acre, much higher than the statewide average of 47 tons per acre.
“Anyone who knows tomatoes will look at that tonnage number and take notice,” said Dan Morash, founder of California Safe Soil.
The company’s fertilizer costs less than chemical competitors and it is environmentally far less damaging if it runs off into waterways. Diedrich Farms is next to the San Joaquin River.
The company is also working on field trials on leafy green crops, strawberries, almonds and grapevines, he said. Early results look promising, he said.
“If you can prove to the farmers that you can improve their economics, they are all for it,” Morash said.
Following more field trials this year, the company plans to commercialize the product next year on an industrial scale. Whereas now it gets food waste from nine supermarkets, it hopes to get its products from 500 supermarkets.
Grocery stores usually have to pay to have waste hauled away; Safe Soil collects the waste for free.
Traditional composting takes months to safely convert food scraps to soil. Safe Soil uses enzymes to digest the food into safe amendments in three hours.
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