Compost
“In nature, living
things die and their death allows life to be reborn.” (John Jeavons)
If
compost could speak, this statement might very well be its motto!
Compost is the result of decomposed organic material such as grass,
leaves, vegetables – essentially any plant material. Under intense heat
and with the help of microorganisms, plant material is broken down
until it forms a uniform brown, soil-like textured material. This
material is full of the essential ingredients (nitrogen, potassium,
phosphorus, among many) that plants need to grow.
Adding compost to
soil improves the structure of the soil for the movement of water,
nutrients and plant roots, adds those essential nutrients, as well as
attracts earthworms and other beneficial organisms for plant growth.
However, compost is not as an exact science as it may sound - what you
happening on the forest floor without human intervention is composting!
For the organic grower, adding in lots of compost to build a healthy
soil is the first and most important step to healthy plants, as compost
is the main fertilizer.
For
more information on compost and to see how to create your own...