What would be the one thing you’ll go for when you have average soil with average problems? If I’m not wrong, it would be composting. Although other amendments can easily solve your garden problems. However, compost can be considered the best available soil conditioner.
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Several gardeners are switching to compost, but why? The reason is compost is a soil amendment with a range of garden benefits. With this, you can create a suitable environment that can benefit microbes for thriving. Through this, you can make the decaying process life-giving.
What is composting?
Whenever composting takes place, it comprises organic materials recycling which you consider as waste. Whatever the resultant material, referred to as compost act, like a vital nutrient source for your soil. Good items for composting comprise grass cuttings, vegetable waste, fruit waste, etc.
Now, it is clear that composting is a vital concept. Apart from benefiting our gardens, such compost plays a positive role in our environment. In this way, you can address climate change in the form of collective and individual.
Benefits of composting for your garden
Valuable microorganisms
There is a vital role played by microorganisms whenever they are present in the soil. With the aeration of the soil, your composting process will get a boost, and nitrogen will be converted to a usable form. Some of the microorganisms in the list are protozoa, bacteria, fungi, etc.
Reduction of disease
When compost nourishes soil bacteria, it can aid in reducing the incidence of a range of diseases related to plants. It is vital because, as result, there will be less need for fungicides and other chemicals. As we know, several chemicals are toxic to lesser or greater extents to the soil, animals, and even humans.
Addition of nutrients
When you place compost on top of the already existing soil, then there are chances to add nutrients like nitrogen and carbon. Such nutrients can be used by your garden plants for their growth. Also, there would be more capacity for plants to retain the water with compost.
Nourishes larger organisms
There is a range of creatures like insects and worms, which got benefitted from compost, and thus, your soil structure gets improved. Whenever such creatures move, they create a path for soil aeration and make your plant life possible.
Balance soil pH
Compost comprises diverse and complex compounds that offer both several hydrogen atoms and negatively-charged attachment points. Even this process itself generates a range of acids. However, with time, soil can be cured, and the pH would be around 6.5.
Benefits of composting for the environment
Sustainable switch
If you reduce carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases, then it can be the most effective way to address environmental issues. With the practice of composting, we can regenerate our waste into a precious resource. Anyone can practice this process in their garden and thus, create something good.
Revitalize water sources
If there is water, then compost can hold 5-20x its weight. So, the addition of compost can boost the amount of water that can easily penetrate the soil. When water will move through layers like compost, soil, and rocks, then it will be filtered and successfully make its way to water sources.
Decrease waste in landfills
Organic materials are made up of nutrients that can be easily broken down and reintroduced into your soil. However, such materials head up straight to the dumps. So, take one step towards composting and reduce the requirements of landfills.
Clean our ocean
When you use harsh chemicals like acidifying fertilizers in your garden they can turn into the biggest pollutants in the oceans. With the usage of compost, you can decrease the water run-off that brings such kinds of chemicals into the ocean. So, it is time to diminish the requirement for adding such artificial fertilizers.
Control of erosion
Erosion takes place when water fails to penetrate the ground and swells up on the surface. After that, they hit lower elevations and deplete the land taking up topsoil with it. However, compost acts like a sponge, as a result, it can keep the topsoil in the place where it belongs.
Conclusion
Now, it is clear that compost is the only thing you can add to take care of your soil. This will not only benefit the environment but also make your garden healthier. It’s time to reduce your carbon footprint because no one wants to experience the worst effects of climate change. Switch to compost right now, if you want to benefit your garden and environment.
