Compost use by arable growers increased by 10% in 2008/2009 compared with the previous season, according to new results.

Carried out by MEL Research on behalf of AFOR (Association for Organics Recycling) and WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), the survey confirmed that farming was the biggest user of compost, at 60% of total volume.

Not only is farming the biggest market for the UK composting industry, it is also the fastest-growing with a three-fold increase in compost use in just five years. MEL Research added that survey responses indicated that the sector still offers much future growth potential.

Looking at the reasons for the increase, respondents pointed to increased confidence in compost quality and significant rises in artificial fertiliser prices.

Jeremy Jacobs, managing director of AFOR, said: “The increase in use of quality compost and digestate in the farming sector reinforces the message that these valuable outputs play a key role in assisting sustainable farming practice.”