Composting is a natural process in which micro and macro-organisms break down organic materials (leaves, twigs, grass) into a dark natural additive for your lawn or garden, and you can use compost regularly to enrich the soil. 

Also, it reduces the production of greenhouse gases and helps to preserve natural resources.

Compost is used as organic fertilizer in the amount of 0.5 – 6 kg/m² as part of a soil mixture or for mulching in the garden.

Below, read more about can compost be used as soil.

What is composting?

Composting is a decomposition of organic matter (precious and solid organic matter, food waste such as peel of fruits and vegetables, garden waste, paper, cardboard), which through microorganisms, in the presence of oxygen and under controlled conditions (temperature and humidity) creates compost.

Compost, when poured into the soil, improves its quality by facilitating biological activity. Compost can be used as a substrate in the production of various plant species, as a vitamin element for soil maintenance, or as fertilizer provided that meets ISO standards.

Compost must not contain substances that: 

• not decompose at all, 
• have a detrimental effect on microorganisms and for soil fertility, 
• can be toxic to plants, and dangerous to human health and animals. 

These are metal objects, glass, resistant plastic materials, plant protection products, carcasses animals that died of infectious diseases, weeds with mature seeds.

Why compost is important?

• It enables faster decomposition of plant and animal by-products,
• Destroys weed seeds and reduces the level of pathogens,
• Reduces the weight and volume of by-products that you store or transport to other locations
• Increases the market value of agricultural residues
• Such products are a more stable source of plant nutrients than unprocessed manure
• Compost can improve the soil by adding organic matter
• Improves soil structure and ability water retention
• Accelerates infiltration, reduces runoff
• Compost helps the development of a healthful plantation
• Improves the porosity, density, and structure of the soil
• Supplies the soil with macro and micronutrients
• Improves and stabilizes the pH values
• Helps reduction of pathogens in the soil

Composting is simple, practical, and economical

You can only start the composting process with leaves and cut grass in your yard or garden. Adding compost also reduces the need to buy fertilizers. Many utilities charge according to the amount of waste they take away. Also, you can reduce waste collection costs by composting organic waste.

Additional benefits of using compost

Compost can bind heavy metals and other pollutants and thus reduce their permeability and absorption in plants. The microbes found in compost also can break down some toxic organic compounds, including petroleum (hydrocarbons). It is one reason for compost use in the bioremediation of oil-contaminated surface area.

What can be composted?

Organic waste is classified according to the place of origin and the amount of moisture it contains on:

• Green waste /nitrogen-rich biowaste (50%)/ – fruit and vegetable residues, coffee and tea residues, cut grass, weeds, dried flowers (all plant remains from the garden). Green matter provides nitrogen, moisture, and food to the living microorganisms that organic matter turns into compost.
• Brown waste /carbon-rich bio-waste (50%)/ – dry twigs, straw, hay, residues of dried fruit, residues of pruning and vines, sawdust, residues of paper. Brown waste provides the required amount of carbon for microorganisms guarantees sufficient moisture and helps to increase the amount of air in the composter.

Healthy soil is directly related to the health of the entire ecosystem.

Some principles of soil use and water circulation are similar – such as nutrient circulation (Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus). Among the most famous cycles are the circulation of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, water, and minerals. These substances are constantly exchanged and recycled between countries and plants, geological debris, groundwater, and the atmosphere. 

The intensity of these bio-geochemical exchanges depends on the location and regulation by soil characteristics, soil use, and climate. The essence of nutrient circulation lies in the decomposition and transformation of matter by microorganisms living in the ground. 

Instead of using chemicals that degrade the soil, farmers in organic farming keeping it healthy and fertile for future generations.

The total weight of the organisms living in the soil is usually equal, or greater than aboveground, visible biomass. A few hundred grams of fertile soil contain billions of bacteria, miles of fungal hyphae, tens of thousands of protozoa, thousands of nematodes, several hundred insects, spiders and worms, and hundreds of feet of plant roots. 

This biota turns the soil into a biological engine. Living organisms are involved in essential processes in the soil, are the principal ones in implementing nutrient circulation, regulate plant communities, decompose pollutants and stabilize the soil structure. In addition, the soil supports lofty ecosystems and biodiversity.

Microbiological diversity and abundance

One of the unique characteristics of compost is its microbiological diversity and abundance of microorganisms.

Because microorganisms are the most crucial participants in composting, compost contains a wide range of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protozoa. This stimulates the microbiological activity of the soil to which the compost is added. 

Prevention of soil-borne diseases

Microorganisms play an essential role in providing plants with nutrients and encourage their development. They also prevent soil-borne diseases.

Direct effects include effects of humic substances, toxic gases, or direct parasitism.

Indirect effects of compost are strong or healthy growing plants, reduced stress, induced resistance, and improved soil structure. Compost can be useful in reducing pressures from soil-borne pathogens.

Availability of nutrients

The availability of nutrients in compost is also the result of microbiological activity. Except for nutrients introduced by compost, the microbiological activity of the incorporated compost mobilizes nutrients from the soil so that they also become available to plants. Plants can control these effects through root exudates.

Soil resistance

All these positive effects of compost on the soil and plants increase the resilience of the soil-plant system. Therefore, external negative influences (foul weather, contamination, soil compaction) are easier and less stressful for plants.

Since mature compost is a humidified mass in which turbulent decomposition processes are completed and there is no strong heating, it can be used without risk together with seeds or planting material. Compost contains stimulating substances (phytohormones) that stimulate the germination, rooting, and budding of grasses.

Mature compost can be applied on arable soil in principle at any time, on lawns dormancy of vegetation or meadows after the first mowing, and on pastures after the main grazing.

Compost is crucial in organic farming. Since it is a mixture of organic matter in the process of decomposition, it is used to improve soil structure and to provide nutrients. Each compost adds humus to the soil. Which in turn  improves water retention, affects nutrient binding and release, and improves soil structure. 

From all the above, compost can safely be used as an addition to any soil to improve it, increase yields and develop organic production.