Cost Estimates for Producing Sargassum spp. Compost
view on EDIS
PDF-2023

Keywords

organic fertilier
seaweed
waste management

Categories

How to Cite

Blare, Trent, Afeefa A. Abdool-Ghany, and Helena M. Solo-Gabriele. 2023. “Cost Estimates for Producing Sargassum Spp. Compost: FE1128, 2 2023”. EDIS 2023 (1). Gainesville, FL. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fe1128-2023.

Abstract

This publication examines the costs that the city of Ft. Lauderdale incurred to establish a Sargassum compost facility. The objective of this analysis is to provide insights to other municipalities and small businesses around south Florida who are considering starting similar composting operations with the expectation that Sargassum composting will provide them with more space in their landfills while maintaining their beaches’ tourist appeal. The data for this analysis were collected through interviews in 2021 with several individuals in municipalities and small businesses, which use a wide range of Sargassum management strategies. We found that Ft. Lauderdale saves at least $326,000 annually by operating its own composting facility.

https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fe1128-2023
view on EDIS
PDF-2023

References

Atkin, E. A. 2018. Humans Have Created a New Natural Disaster. The New Republic. Retrieved November 22, 2021, from https://newrepublic.com/article/150775/humans-created-new-natural-disaster

Blare, T., F. H. Ballen, A. Singh, N. Haley, and J. Crane. 2022. “Profitability and Cost Estimates for Producing Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) in South Florida.” FE1115. EDIS 2022 (2) https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fe1115-2022

Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism and Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CAST). 2015. “Sargassum: A Resource Guide for the Caribbean.” Coral Gables, FL, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, 14pp. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25607/OBP-798

Caterpillar. 2021. Medium Dozers- D4. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://www.cat.com/en_US/products/new/equipment/dozers/medium-dozers/107740.html

Easterlund, P. 2016. TractorData.com Kubota M6-111 tractor information. Tractor Data. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/008/5/1/8514-kubota-m6-111.html

Edwards, W. 2015. Estimating Farm Machinery Costs | Ag Decision Maker. Https://Www.Extension.Iastate.Edu/Agdm/Crops/Html/A3-29.Html. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/html/a3-29.html

Land and Farm. 2021. Broward County, FL Land for Sale - 110 Listings | Land and Farm. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://www.landandfarm.com/search/FL/Broward-County-land-for-sale/

Langin, K. 2018. “Mysterious Masses of Seaweed Assault Caribbean Islands.” Science. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aau4441

Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces. 2021. “Learn about Sargassum on Miami-Dade County Beaches.” Miami-Dade County. Retrieved March 7, 2022, from https://www.miamidade.gov/global/news-item.page?Mduid_news=news1612480690815524

Ritchie Bros. 2018. Mack GU713 Dump Truck. Ritchie Specs Equipment Specifications. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://www.ritchiespecs.com/model/mack-gu713-dump-truck

Swinscoe, I., D. M. Oliver, A. S. Gilburn, and R. S. Quilliam. 2018. “The Seaweed Fly (Coelopidae) Can Facilitate Environmental Survival and Transmission of E. coli O157 at Sandy Beaches.” Journal of Environmental Management 223:275–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.06.045

University of Miami. 2022. Technical Awareness Group Meeting. Sargassum Composting. Third Meeting. Virtual Meeting.

United Nations. 2020. “Increase in Sea Temperature Allows Sargassum Weed to Spread in Mexico.” Devdiscourse. https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/840592-increase-in-sea-temperature-allows-sargassum-weed-to-spread-in-mexico

U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2021. Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/

Wang, M., C. Hu, B. B. Barnes, G. Mitchum, B. Lapointe, and J. P. Montoya. 2019. “The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.” Science 365 (6448): 83–87. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaw7912

Copyright (c) 2023 UF/IFAS