The aims of the project were: (1) Use composted cotton gin trash and pelletised cotton gin trash to

monitor soil response and soil nutrition benefits; (2) Establish experimental woodlots of

tolerant eucalypts with pelletised cotton trash to manage groundwater recharge,

and prevent salinisation, and improve soil carbon stores; and (3) Monitor the impact of the

woodlot and cotton waste material on soil quality, salinity and groundwater levels.

Baseline soil sampling and field mapping of the experimental site were completed by July and

experimental plots laid out by August. The soil analyses showed that the site was very saline and

sodic. Because of drought and extreme salinity, planting of trees and application of composted gin

trash was deferred until autumn 2003. Following this, because of possible contamination with

pesticides through composted gin trash application, the Environmental Protection Agency of NSW

expressed concerns on its use as a soil ameliorant. Pesticide residue analyses showed that very

small amounts of DDE, a degradation product of DDT was present. This is likely to have come

from soil, not cotton gin trash, as it was absent in the latter. A subsequent meeting between CRDC

(represented by Guy Roth) and the EPA failed to resolve the issue. Consequently the project was

aborted as a result of the impasse with the EPA and reduced funding from CRDC. However

Saltgrow is looking into continuing the project independently using an alternative source of

composted recycled green-waste.