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The Science Behind Compost
The Science Behind Compost
First of all... what is compost?
First of all... what is compost?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes compost as the following [1]:
Composting is a controlled, aerobic (oxygen-required) process that converts organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch through natural decomposition. The end product is compost – a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material. Microorganisms feed on the materials added to the compost pile during the composting process. They use carbon and nitrogen to grow and reproduce, water to digest materials, and oxygen to breathe. (The Environmental Protection Agency, 2022, What is Composting section)
Organic scraps mixing with decomposed organic waste and other microogranisms
Image from Vermont Public
Image from Vermont Public
What is compost used for?
What is compost used for?
Compost is primarily used as a natural source of nutrients for plants (and it is an alternative to fertilizer) and improves soil structure. It can be used to help a plant grow in any environment, from house plants to crops in industrial farms!
You can learn more about what composting is at this article, published by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
Source:
Source:
[1] US EPA. (2018, October 16). Composting at home. United States Environmental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
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