Frequently Asked Questions
What is MUSIC CITY GOLD?
MUSIC CITY GOLD is a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers and a source of micronutrients that restores soil health and increases organic matter. Music City Gold pellets build soil structure and improves moisture retention. The slow release of nutrients sustains plants throughout the growing season.
Music City Gold is a local product, produced in Nashville, Tennessee by Metro Water Services since 2009 using the same methods used to make Milorganite®, which has been sold in the United States since 1926. Like Milorganite®, Music City Gold is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and many other key nutrients needed to grow plants.
Music City Gold consists of natural, nutrient rich microbes that have been reclaimed at Nashville’s wastewater treatment plants. The microbes are heat-pasteurized to over 1000 degrees to kill pathogens. As a Class A Exceptional Quality fertilizer/soil amendment, Music City Gold can be used on vegetable gardens, lawns, fruit trees, crops, and pastures. Music City Gold is tested regularly and meets and exceeds all EPA standards.
tours of the Metro Water Services facility are available through their website at Nashville > Water Services.
Is Music City Gold sludge, human waste, or poop?
No. The water reclamation process relies on bacteria to break down organic waste. The excess microbes are removed, dried, and pelletized. For more details on this process, please see our Process Overview page.
What is the pellet size?
Pellet sizes range from 1 to 4mm. This size is based upon feedback from the agriculture sector, as it can be spread effectively over crop and hayfields. This size also works well in typical lawn spreaders.
What is the NPK value?
Music City Gold has an NPK of 4-4-0. These numbers represent the percentage of available Nitrogen (N) for plant growth, Phosphorus (P) for root growth, and Potassium (K) for flowering and fruiting. Music City Gold also contains Magnesium (Mg), an essential secondary plant nutrient and micro nutrients: Manganese (MN), Boron (B), Copper (CU), Zinc (Zn), and Molybdenum (MO).
What are the other benefits of using Music City Gold?
Healthy soil = Healthy garden. The heartbeat of healthy soil is the microbial community that lives in the upper layers. This type of organically rich fertilizer improves the health of soil, increases crop yields, and improves water-holding capacity - offsetting the need for irrigation. It has low water solubility and is less likely to leach nutrients into nearby waterways than synthetic fertilizers.
Music City Gold is a local product that provides jobs in our community. Farming communities receive significant economic benefits from Music City Gold. It is a cost-effective way to safely and effectively fertilize their crops, improve the health of their soil, and increase their crop yields compared to conventional chemical fertilizer. Combined, these benefits add up to real economic gains for farmers.
Do I need to be worried about metals in Music City Gold?
Metro Water Services tests for metals. Music City Gold has the same metal content as our local soil.
What plants or trees benefit from Music City Gold?
Music City Gold can be used to fertilize container gardens, vegetables, lawns, grasses, food crops, trees, hay, pasture and row crops.
How does the price of the product compare to chemical or synthetic fertilizers?
Music City Gold is less expensive than bulk chemical or synthetic fertilizers. This directly reduces input costs and improves the bottom-line of local TN farmers.
What quantities can I purchase?
Music City Gold is sold in stores in 50# bags at STEPHENS SEED and SUPPLY, Inc 800 Fesslers Lane in Nashville, TN. It is also sold in 1-ton bags at the TYCOWA, LLC office. Bulk agricultural purchases can be made at TYCOWA, LLC or by calling (615) 533-3981.
What plants or trees benefit from Music City Gold?
Music City Gold can be used to fertilize container gardens, vegetables, lawns, grasses, food crops, trees, hay, pasture and row crops.
How much should I use?
Music City Gold is a 4-4-0 NPK fertilizer with micronutrients. Depending on your soil and the plants you intend to grow, you may need to add a fertilizer for best results. To know exactly which nutrients to add to your soil, you will need to collect a soil sample and get a soil test.
How do I use Music City gold?
Music City Gold can be used in several ways. It can be added to soil before planting. During the growing season, it can be raked into the surface of the soil near plants. Because it is a slow-release fertilizer, Music City Gold will not burn plant roots. Refer to the application chart on the bag on the product page.
I may not use an entire bag all at once. How long can I keep Music City Gold?
Music City Gold has no expiration date. Like all fertilizer products, however, Music City Gold should be stored in a cool dry place out of the reach of children and pets. When stored properly, it will accomplish your fertilizing needs throughout the growing season.
Is Music City Gold a deer repellent?
Several customers have reported that Music City Gold is a great deer repellant. Currently we have not conducted a scientific study to substantiate that claim, and will defer to the testimonials provided by our customers. Many of our farmers purchase MCG as a deer deterrent.