Compost from blue mussel residues - Projects - Norsøk (en)

Compost from blue mussel residues

Norgeskjell AS on the coast of Trøndelag is the largest producer of edible blue mussel in Norway and exports this popular seafood to many countries throughout the year. Residues from the production, such as out-sorted shells, are composted with fine woodchips, and is a good fertiliser after appropriate maturation. NORSØK is studying how the composting and use of compost as fertiliser may be improved.


Anniken Fure Stensrud, Joshua Cabell and Anne-Kristin Løes ceushing a batch of mussels for the compost trial. (Photo: Vegard Botterli)
Anniken Fure Stensrud, Joshua Cabell and Anne-Kristin Løes ceushing a batch of mussels for the compost trial. (Photo: Vegard Botterli)

Better compost with ground shells?

Field experiments in the Norwegian Agricultural Extension Service (NLR) Trøndelag have shown a positive effect on plant growth with composted blue mussels. Whole shells are demanding because they decompose very slowly. The coarse structure may hamper a good sanitation of the material, which is an animal by-product, which must be maintained at a temperature > 55 °C for over 3 weeks. When applied in a garden, could whole, blue shells disturb the visual impression? When applied in agriculture, could the shells possibly clog the openings of the seed or fertiliser hoes? NORSØK will study the effect of grinding the shells before composting, and the performance of traditional and optimized compost applied to crop plants.

Joshua Cabell (NORSØK) and Elin Thorbjørnsen (NLR Trøndelag) examine compost made from sorted mussels, bark and wood chips. (Photo: Anne-Kristin Løes)
Joshua Cabell (NORSØK) and Elin Thorbjørnsen (NLR Trøndelag) examine compost made from sorted mussels, bark and wood chips. (Photo: Anne-Kristin Løes)

Blue gardens?

In collaboration with Koteng holding AS in Trondheim, NORSØK will study the effect of blue mussel compost when applied in an urban environment, such as in wooden frames for growing of vegetables, or applied as a dressing to lawns in recreational areas. Will the appearance of blue shells be disturbing, or can this be regarded as a positive visual element in a city located along the coast? May the compost have a positive effect on earthworms, improving the soil structure? Or perhaps repel slugs?

The project is funded by the Regional Research Council of Trøndelag and a public tax deduction scheme for companies. It is carried out in collaboration with NLR Trøndelag who will conduct field studies and provide knowledge on local conditions.

Before mussels are ready for the dining table, they are first sorted from shells that are too big, too small, empty, or crushed. These residues go into the compost, together with materials such as seaweed, sea cucumbers. (Photo: Anne-Kristin Løes)
Before mussels are ready for the dining table, they are first sorted from shells that are too big, too small, empty, or crushed. These residues go into the compost, together with materials such as seaweed, sea cucumbers. (Photo: Anne-Kristin Løes)

Project details

Project coordinator:Anne-Kristin Løes
Project staff NORSØK:Joshua Cabell
Project partners: Norsk Landbruksrådgivning Trøndelag SA
Funding: Skattefunn
Project period: