Benefits of Composting
It is estimated that about 33 percent of the total waste stream could be composted! Composting not only helps to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, it produces a valuable soil amendment which can improve the texture and fertility of the soil. Among compost's many benefits are:
Improved plant and root growth
It has been shown that when compost is part of the growing medium, plants grow stronger and have higher yields. Compost adds not only organic material to the soil but it adds trace elements such as iron, manganese, copper, zinc and boron which are required for plant growth.
Reduced rate of nutrient release
Compost binds the nutrients in the soil ensuring that they are available over a longer period of time for the plants to utilize them. Binding fertilizers with the soil also helps prevent fertilizers from running off to surface water during rain.
Improved soil porosity
Microbial activity is essential for fertile soil. Microorganisms break down organic materials making the nutrients in these materials available to plants. Compacted soil does not allow the water and air required by soil microorganisms to penetrate below the soil surface. Because compost consists of many different sized particles, it has a porous structure which helps to increase soil porosity.
Improved water-holding capacity
The organic matter in compost can soak up water thereby increasing the soil's water-holding capacity. This helps the soil absorb water during rain or watering and hold it for the use of the plants between rain or watering. Adding compost helps prevent wind and water erosion by increasing the availability of water and nutrients to plants resulting in rapid, strong plant growth in areas prone to erosion.
Plant disease suppression
Research has shown that compost can inhibit the incidence of plant diseases.