Transforming Agriculture with Florida Soil Builders

Florida Soil Builders Inc.(FSB) produces a high quality organic soil amendment for the

agriculture industry and has adopted a manufacturing process designed by Midwest BioSystems

called “Advanced Composting System” (ACS). The ACS technology is a scientifically based

process that insures a quality finished product. FSB follows guidelines established by The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that ensures production of safe end products for agricultural use. Under chapter 62-709 of the Florida Administration Code requirements are listed in detail, FSB is registered and follows those requirements under this code. 

At Florida Soil Builders , we receive approximately 500,000 cubic yards of horticultural debris each year, which is sorted and ground resulting in a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 24-30:1. This step is critical in assuring the proper bacterial degradation and the quality of the end product. At FSB, raw materials will be placed in long, narrow windrows on the open ground, this allows the turner to turn compost when needed. Each windrow will be turned approximately 30 times in a 6 month period providing aeration and moisture control.  Turning compost windrows is determined by the temperature, CO2 levels, and moisture content. If the temperature is above 150°, or if the CO2 levels are above 15%, or if the moisture level is below 40%, the compost will be turned to correct the measurements. A moisture level of 40-50% is maintained by adding water during the turning process, the moisture level is critical for microbe activity and temperature control. 

Temperatures will quickly rise after the windrows are established due to the high

bacterial activity. This temperature will range from 140°-150° F. This phase is associated with a

very high rate of decomposition and will last approximately 12 weeks. The selective destruction of pathogens resulting in acceptable fecal coliform numbers require a minimum of 15 days at temperatures at or above 55°C and must be turned at least 5 times during this time frame (per DEP 62-701,200,FAC). Florida Soil Builders processing takes approximately 12 times this length and maintains temperatures above 55°C for 12 weeks. This process greatly exceeds DEP requirements and insures a product free of pathogens and weed seeds. The outlined process results in a safe, quality product that has been in commercial use for 24 years. The product has been utilized by citrus, vegetable, and sod producers. Florida Soil Builders continuously monitor for quality and safety standards and frequently sends samples to a certified lab for testing, testing is performed on each 3,000 ton batch. 

Test results can be found under 'Test Results' in the menu.