Organic compost is a great way to enrich the soil in your garden or yard, and it comes with a host of benefits that make it worth considering such as presenting a cost-effective option as you won’t need to buy fertilizer and pesticides to maintain your garden’s health.
If you’ve been considering adding compost to your soil, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to have a successful composting experience.
You’ll discover why it’s beneficial to use organic compost for your plant needs, and how to create one. Let’s start by answering the question “What is organic compost?”
What is Organic Compost?
Organic compost is decomposed organic matter that is added to soil to improve its quality. Composting is a controlled, aerobic process that converts organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch through natural decomposition. The end product is compost – a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material.
Organic compost contains carbon-based materials that are or were once living, such as decaying plant material, worms, microorganisms, and other plant-based tissue. It is an excellent way to sequester carbon in the soil, improve soil quality and fertility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide crops with valuable organic matter.
Benefits of Organic Compost
Organic compost is full of beneficial nutrients that promote healthy plant growth. For instance:
- Compost has a high concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. The nutrients found in compost are essential for crop growth and soil fertility.
- Organic compost also contains organic matter which helps to improve soil structure, and microbial activity, which helps to break down organic material and release nutrients. This organic matter helps to improve water retention and drainage and provides a habitat for beneficial soil organisms.
- Organic compost also helps to balance soil pH levels, which is important for maintaining optimal growing conditions. A balanced pH allows plants to take up essential minerals from the soil and can be achieved with the addition of organic compost.
- Compost is an excellent source of slow-release carbon, which helps to improve soil fertility and nutrient availability over time. The microbes in the soil eat the carbon, releasing nitrogen and other nutrients into the soil, which helps to promote plant growth.
- Again, compost is an effective form of natural weed control, as it contains fewer weed seeds than chemical fertilizers or synthetic soil amendments.
- Compost also helps to reduce the need for herbicides or synthetic pesticides, making it a more sustainable form of soil management.
Composition of Organic Compost
Organic compost works well in environments that can support the requirements it poses, while non-organic compost works well anywhere else. The main three macronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and trace elements like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc are present in high amounts in compost.
Composting involves minimal effort, equipment, expense, and expertise, and can be fun. Plus, it’s a resourceful way to manage the food scraps and yard trim generated at home, all year round and in a more sustainable way.
By producing a free, high-quality soil amendment – compost – you can help reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides, save money and protect the environment.
To start, you need a proper balance of carbon-rich materials, such as dry leaves and plant stalks, and nitrogen-rich materials, such as grass clippings and food scraps.
How to Make Your Own Organic Compost
Composting is a simple process that involves layering organic materials into a pile and allowing nature to do the work. The result is a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch that can be used to improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and enhance plant growth.
When beginning a composting project, the first thing to consider is what type of materials you will use for the compost. Organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, food scraps, manure, and sawdust can be used to create compost.
Here are some tips for making your own organic compost:
- Gather your materials. You will need plant and yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, weeds, and other debris, as well as kitchen scraps such as fruits and vegetables, eggshells, and coffee grounds.
- Find a spot for your compost bin or pile. Pick a spot that’s in the shade and has good drainage. The ideal location for your compost is close to your garden, but not too close to your home.
- Create layers. Begin by adding a layer of coarse materials such as sticks and twigs. Then add a layer of leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps. Alternate between dry (or brown) and wet (or green) ingredients until your compost is about three feet high.
- Moisten the pile. Make sure your pile remains damp but not soggy. Moisten your pile occasionally while adding materials or if it starts to dry out.
- Turn and mix the pile. Turn your pile every few weeks with a shovel or pitchfork. This helps to aerate the compost, which will speed up the decomposition process.
- Harvest your compost. Once your compost looks like dark, crumbly soil, it is ready to use. Use a shovel to remove the compost from the pile and add it to your garden, potted plants, or outdoor containers.
You should also note that an ideal composting environment requires temperatures between 40-140°F (5-60°C). Maintaining this temperature range encourages beneficial microorganisms that are responsible for decomposing the materials and creating soil amendments.
How Does Organic Compost Improve Soil Fertility?
Organic compost improves soil fertility in many ways. It increases the soil’s organic matter content, which fuels microbial activity and nutrient cycling. Compost is rich in nutrients that boost plant growth and is an excellent source of nitrogen, which provides plants with the required amount of available nitrogen.
Organic compost also improves soil texture and the soil’s ability to hold moisture and nutrients, which helps to intensify plant resistance to diseases. Add that to the fact that composting can reduce or eliminate weed seeds and plant pathogens in crop residues and other organic feedstocks.
Conclusion on What is Organic Compost
In conclusion, organic compost is a great way to improve soil fertility and quality. It can provide plants with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and also reduce the amount of fertilizer and pesticides needed.
When handled right, it has benefits such as reducing soil erosion, improving soil structure, and providing crops with valuable organic matter. Overall, using organic compost is a great way to help protect the environment, save money, and improve soil quality.
FAQs on What is Organic Compost
How can I compost at home?
Composting at home is easy and convenient. You can start by creating a compost pile in your yard or using a composting bin. Add organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and yard trimmings, and regularly turn the compost to promote decomposition.
What is the difference between compost and fertilizer?
Compost is an organic matter that enriches the soil and improves its structure, while fertilizer is a substance that provides essential nutrients to plants. Compost is generally a slow-release fertilizer and improves soil health in the long term, while fertilizers provide immediate nutrients to plants.
What are the benefits of using organic compost?
Using organic compost has several benefits. It improves soil fertility, enhances water retention, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, promotes beneficial microorganisms, and reduces waste sent to landfills. It also helps produce healthier and more nutritious plants.
What is finished compost?
Finished compost is compost that has fully decomposed and has a dark, crumbly texture. It no longer resembles the original organic materials and is ready to be used as a soil amendment or fertilizer.
What is vermicomposting?
Vermicomposting is a composting process in which worms are used to break down organic waste. The worms consume organic matter, and their castings (excrement) create nutrient-rich compost.
What is the National Organic Program?
The National Organic Program (NOP) is a regulatory program that ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products in the United States. It establishes standards for organic production, labelling, and certification.
Should I buy organic compost?
Buying organic compost can be a convenient option if you don’t have the space or resources to make your own. However, if you have the means, making your own compost at home is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative.
Can compost be used as potting soil?
Yes, compost can be used as potting soil or mixed with potting soil to improve its nutrient content and water retention. However, it’s important to ensure that the compost is well-aged and fully decomposed to avoid introducing pathogens or weed seeds to your potted plants.
How does worm composting work?
Worm composting, also known as vermicomposting, involves using special composting worms, such as red worms or tiger worms, to break down organic waste. The worms consume the organic matter and their castings produce nutrient-rich compost.
