What are the benefits of compost?
• Organic matter is known as the “soul of a healthy soil.” Adding compost to your yard or garden soil will help your plants grow bigger and healthier. The organic matter in compost helps soil hold on to nutrients and water, benefiting your plants while reducing the risk of pollution. • Composting saves you money Using compost as a soil conditioner or mulch reduces your need to purchase these lawn and garden products. Composting in your backyard may reduce your trash removal costs. Many sanitation companies charge customers by the bag or size of trash container. Your compost bin could decrease the number of bags your household generates. • Composting is practical and convenient No need to bother bagging leaves and other garden/yard wastes. Simply add them to your backyard bin and watch these items turn into rich dark humus. • Composting is a good alternative to landfilling or incinerating Yard and garden wastes account for almost 20% of the total amount of trash thrown away each year. Y
Compost is used primarily as a soil conditioner or mulch material. When tilled into the soil it helps to retain moisture while allowing good drainage. Nutrients are better able to cling to the soil particles, so the need for chemical fertilizers can be reduced. Roots are able to penetrate deeper, resulting in healthier plant growth. The combination of less fertilizer being applied and better penetration into the soil reduces runoff into rivers and streams. As a mulch, on top of the soil, compost helps to control weeds, protects the roots of plants from temperature fluctuations in both winter and summer, and helps prevent the soil from drying out. Moreover, compost may be a way to help offset significant loss of topsoil from erosion It is estimated that farm lands lose as much as one inch of topsoil each year. Government agencies, such as a state highway and parks departments, can use compost in construction and beautification of highways and parks. Compost also can be used on agricultu
