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| What is Composting? Why Should I Compost? |
What is Composting?
Most simply put….composting is a form of recycling. Composting has occurred
in nature for millions of years and is the natural process by which organic matter
decomposes. The results of this organic matter decomposing is a soil or humus
like product that increases the health of the soil. Compost is like a multivitamin
for your soil. It can also improve soil structure by adding organic content and
increase the water-holding capacity of soil so that you will not need to water as
much. Additionally, compost helps keep heavy-clay content soil from
compacting. Meaning that the soil is easier to work and root systems will
develop better. It also gives sandy soil needed structure. So, by composting we
not only significantly reduce the amount of household and yard waste we throw
away, we are also at the same time, making a nutrient-rich additive our soil.
Why should I Compost?
Backyard composting allows you to recycle your yard clippings and kitchen
waste into a valuable soil amendment right in your own yard. It is a great way to
save money, reduce the amount of waste that is disposed or processed, and
improve the quality of your urban environment.
Additional benefits and ways to use your compost are as:
Soil Amendment:
Finished compost can be turned into the soil as a soil amendment. As much as
six inches of compost can be added to your soil each year. When used as a soil
amendment, compost reacts with soil to slowly release both plant nutrients and
essential trace elements. Compost can be turned into the soil in the spring in
preparation for planting. It can also be spread on soil at the end of the
gardening season and allowed to leach into the soil. If only a small amount of
compost is available, it can be incorporated in the seed furrow, or a handful can
be added to each transplant hole of annuals, perennials, or vegetables. Large
amounts of compost can be used to plant trees, shrubs, and vegetable gardens,
or to repair or replace lawn areas.
Mulching:
Compost is not mulch, yet it can be applied in the same ways that mulches are
used. Compost is a stable product that will not deprive your soil of nitrogen.
Spread compost two to six inches thick around plants, trees, shrubs, and
exposed slopes. This will deter weeds, prevent crusting, curtail erosion, attract
earthworms, and conserve water.
Potting Mix:
Finished compost can be combined with equal parts of sand and soil to create
an excellent potting mix. The compost should be screened to ensure that only
fine particles are used in the mix. A simple screen can be made of ½-inch or
other small-gauge fencing material and a wooden frame.
Most simply put….composting is a form of recycling. Composting has occurred
in nature for millions of years and is the natural process by which organic matter
decomposes. The results of this organic matter decomposing is a soil or humus
like product that increases the health of the soil. Compost is like a multivitamin
for your soil. It can also improve soil structure by adding organic content and
increase the water-holding capacity of soil so that you will not need to water as
much. Additionally, compost helps keep heavy-clay content soil from
compacting. Meaning that the soil is easier to work and root systems will
develop better. It also gives sandy soil needed structure. So, by composting we
not only significantly reduce the amount of household and yard waste we throw
away, we are also at the same time, making a nutrient-rich additive our soil.
Why should I Compost?
Backyard composting allows you to recycle your yard clippings and kitchen
waste into a valuable soil amendment right in your own yard. It is a great way to
save money, reduce the amount of waste that is disposed or processed, and
improve the quality of your urban environment.
Additional benefits and ways to use your compost are as:
Soil Amendment:
Finished compost can be turned into the soil as a soil amendment. As much as
six inches of compost can be added to your soil each year. When used as a soil
amendment, compost reacts with soil to slowly release both plant nutrients and
essential trace elements. Compost can be turned into the soil in the spring in
preparation for planting. It can also be spread on soil at the end of the
gardening season and allowed to leach into the soil. If only a small amount of
compost is available, it can be incorporated in the seed furrow, or a handful can
be added to each transplant hole of annuals, perennials, or vegetables. Large
amounts of compost can be used to plant trees, shrubs, and vegetable gardens,
or to repair or replace lawn areas.
Mulching:
Compost is not mulch, yet it can be applied in the same ways that mulches are
used. Compost is a stable product that will not deprive your soil of nitrogen.
Spread compost two to six inches thick around plants, trees, shrubs, and
exposed slopes. This will deter weeds, prevent crusting, curtail erosion, attract
earthworms, and conserve water.
Potting Mix:
Finished compost can be combined with equal parts of sand and soil to create
an excellent potting mix. The compost should be screened to ensure that only
fine particles are used in the mix. A simple screen can be made of ½-inch or
other small-gauge fencing material and a wooden frame.
| Copyright 2009 Go-GreenGardening 201 Bethel Ave. Beech Grove, IN 46107 |
|
