How Does Compost Prevent Storm Water Pollution?
Applying compost to a yard has many benefits. One benefit is compost behaves as an organic fertilizer, releasing nutrients into the soil slowly over long periods of time. Organic fertilizers do not release nutrients into the environment as freely as inorganic, or chemical, fertilizers. This means more of the nutrients are actually consumed by the plants intended to receive them and fewer nutrients are washed off the lawn into storm drains when it rains (as with chemical fertilizers). Soils mixed with compost are also able to retain moisture more easily, and allow more water and air to reach the root systems of plants. This means less water is needed for irrigation, and the lawns retain more water when it rains. The increase in air in the soil allows the plants to be healthier, and encourages the growth of beneficial soil organisms. Excess nutrients from private and commercial landscapes and lawn areas cause serious problems in local lakes and streams. Excess nutrients are the primary c
