Benefits of Composting
-Your finish compost can
be used to benefit your soil:
Compost does several things to benefit the soil that synthetic fertilizers
cannot do. First, it adds organic matter, which improves the way water
interacts with the soil. In sandy soils, compost acts as a sponge to help
retain water in the soil that would otherwise drain down below the reach
of plant roots (in this way, it protects plants against drought). In clay
soils, compost helps to add porosity (tiny holes and passageways) to the
soil, making it drain more quickly so that it doesn't stay waterlogged
and doesn't dry out into a bricklike substance. Compost also inoculates
the soil with vast numbers of beneficial microbes (bacteria, fungi, etc.)
and the habitat that the microbes need to live. These microbes are able
to extract nutrients from the mineral part of the soil and eventually pass
the nutrients on to plants.
- Using your compost as
mulch:
Compost can be left on the surface as a mulch around landscape and garden
plants. This is essentially the same as a 'top dressing' application, but
mulches are typically meant to cover all of the soil around the plants
that get mulched. Mulches protect the soil from erosion. The also save
water by shielding soil from the drying effect of the wind and sun. As
they decompose, mulches add nutrients to the soil, and if composed of small-enough
particles, worms may slowly eat the mulch and incorporate it into the soil.
- Making a nutrient rich
tea for your plants:
Compost tea is made by combining equal parts of compost and water and
letting it sit for a while. The liquid can help to provide a 'quick boost'
to ailing houseplants or young seedlings and transplants
- Composting as a hobby
It may not be a popular hobby, but it can be fun and relaxing.
Look at it this way, it is a environment friendly activity that can produce
beneficial outcomes for your plants and other organisms. I think
it is a great way to reduce stress also.