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Why is composting important?
Compost is a byproduct of the decomposition of organic matter—food scraps, leaves, grass, paper products, etc. Most organic waste is sent to landfills, where it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) creating methane, a greenhouse gas that can trap 30 times more heat than carbon dioxide (CO2). Composting mimics natural decomposition which uses oxygen and produces CO2. The product of composting is a useful soil amendment that’s full of microbiology that’s good for soils—it helps plants absorb and retain nutrients, improves soil structure, helps water get to roots, holds on to water better, and acts as a slow release fertilizer. The application of compost over time also helps to sequester carbon in the soil. Using compost also reduces the necessity of herbicides and pesticides, creating a healthier ecosystem and improving quality of life.
- Reduces harmful greenhouse gases
- Conserves natural resources
- Improves the soil structure, porosity, and density, thus creating a better plant root environment.
- Increases infiltration and permeability of heavy soils, thus reducing erosion and runoff.
- Improves water holding capacity, thus reducing water loss and leaching in sandy soils.
- Supplies a variety of macro and micronutrients.
- May control or suppress certain soil-borne plant pathogens.
- Supplies significant quantities of organic matter.
- Improves cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soils and growing media, thus improving their ability to hold nutrients for plant use.
- Supplies beneficial microorganisms to soils and growing media.
- Improves and stabilizes soil pH.
- Can bind and degrade specific pollutants.
