Spring is in the air

Students wondering what the terrible smell in the South Oval is can blame the compost used by Landscape and Grounds for the flowers they plant every spring.

Landscaping technicians spend over five hundred hours collectively each spring preparing and planting plants all over campus said Carl Weinecke, Landscape and Grounds technician.

The foul smelling compost is used because it is very beneficial for plant growth and structure, according to Virginia Tech's Web site.

“Compost is a very sensitive product in that one has to be careful while handling it. You can’t just stick your bare hand into it and dust it off afterward. The compost has manure in it, so cleaning your hands and using extra protection is key,” Weinecke said.

Students can expect a more pleasant smelling campus this week.