Using organic compost…

in your soil or as mulch is beneficial for a variety of reasons.

The versatility of compost makes it ideal for improving soil, promoting plant growth, and providing nutrition to greenery.

Compost is not only essential for healthy plant life, it’s also ecologically valuable.

Whether you use it alone or as an accompaniment to your normal fertilization routine, you will see long-term benefits. 

Improve Soil Structure

Fine soil that is enriched with organic materials becomes more dense and easier to work with.

The solid structure of compost-enhanced soil also decreases the chances of erosion.

Because the soil will be less likely to wear away, you can spend less time tending to your garden or plant bed.

The binding qualities of compost fuses the particles of soil together.

This means the soil can hold moisture, nutrients and air better. 

When you use compost to bind your soil, you reduce the likelihood of fertilizer or pesticide runoff as well.

This is a significant advantage to adding compost to your plant base.

The chemicals you use in gardening that are carried away with rainwater can pollute nearby ponds, streams and rivers.

Adding just a small amount of compost to your soil can have a positive impact runoff issues.

Provide Important Nutrients to Plants

Because compost is comprised of organic materials, it holds a substantial amount of micronutrients.

These small quantities of minerals and vitamins promote healthy plant growth and development in a unique way.

The organic matter in compost is considerably stable, so the micronutrients are supplied to the plant life gradually.

This slow release means the treated soil will retain the nutrients for a long period of time.

Unlike synthetic fertilizers, compost will hold the nutrients in a steady, well-balanced manner.

The nourishing substances will bind together enough so they don’t wash away, but they will be loosely packed so the roots and plants can soak them up whenever it’s necessary. 

There is a sizable amount of bacteria in compost that aids in plant nutrition.

The bacteria breaks down various components in the organic matter and converts it into nourishment for the plants.

Compost bacteria helps plants utilize the existing nutrients more effectively as well.

This can also drastically improve the entire root system of the plants.

Bring Diverse Life to Soil

By adding compost to your soil, you will incorporate a diverse system of life into the earth.

A number of microorganisms live within the structure of compost, including fungi, bacteria and protozoa.

These microorganisms not only provide additional benefits to the soil, they support the life already in the earth.

This means other organisms are able to function properly in their roles sustaining the health of the soil, roots and plants.

The microorganisms in compost promote the decomposition of organic matter.

As a result of this process, the nutrients in the compost steadily become more available.

Certain fungi in compost can support the root structures in plants by aiding in nutrient leeching as well.

Additionally, the various microscopic organisms encourage the development of worms, which in turn increases the amount of aeration in the soil. 

Not only do the microorganisms in compost improve the overall life within the soil, they protect against certain diseases.

Plant pests and disease-causing organisms can be controlled with the use of compost.

This is another environmentally friendly perk to using organic matter in your garden.

Reducing the amount of pesticides you use on your plant life lessens the likelihood of water pollution.

Optimize Water Utilization and Balance pH Levels 

Compost can loosen tightly bound particles in certain types of soil.

This improves the overall drainage of the water in the earth.

Better dispersion of the water through the soil means moisture can reach the roots more effectively.

It also decreases the need for irrigation.

Even if you only use compost to complement your regular fertilization regimen, you will see a significant change in water retention. 

The addition of organic matter to soil may alter the soil’s pH.

If you have soil with unstable pH levels, you can use compost to modify the alkaline or acid concentrations.

Balancing the pH level of the soil will optimize the way the roots and plants receive nutrients.

Neutralizing a low or high pH by using compost also encourages resistance against fluctuating acid or alkaline levels in the future. 

Final Thoughts…

Whether you use compost to improve the structure of your soil or as a layer of mulch across your plant bed, you will reap numerous benefits.

By recycling organic materials and disbursing them back into the earth, you are protecting the environment.

Not only is composting ecologically sound, it is one of the best ways to provide nutrients for the soil.

Organic fertilization can give you the lush, vibrant plants you strive to grow.