For those with a green thumb, there’s a constant quest for healthy, thriving plants. Chemical fertilizers might seem like a quick fix that most people use in the agriculture industry or even gardeners. Still, many gardeners are turning towards a more natural solution: organic compost.
As the pollution inceasing at unexpected pace, it not just affecting our air but our soil. Yes, the quality of pur soil is depleting day by day, which results in less productivity of food.
But
Organic compost help in spoil health and fertility, how?
Let’s find out!
Compost: Nature’s Recycling Program
Composting is like magic. You take kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials and, through a natural process of decomposition, turn them into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It’s like giving your plants a vitamin boost made from your own leftovers! The few main advantages of organic compost are as follows:
- Increase the amount of nutrients in the soil: Healthy plants need nourished soil, but how can you get it? Composting your green waste will nourish your soil with vital nutrients. A natural substitute for artificial fertilisers, which are made with fossil fuels and increase greenhouse gas emissions, is compost. Compost has the three essential nutrients for agriculture—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—that chemical fertilisers do not.
Furthermore, compost enhances the structure of the soil, improving water and nutrient retention in addition to adding nutrients for healthy soil. This encourages greater production of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other crops while assisting plants in fending against illnesses. In the end, composting helps plants develop and advances sustainable farming methods. - Improves Fertility: Healthy soil with good structure, drainage, and aeration (all promoted by compost) creates an ideal environment for beneficial soil organisms like earthworms. These creatures further improve soil fertility by breaking down organic matter and creating channels for air and water to penetrate.
- Conserves Water: As one of the most prominent environmental issues worldwide, drought is impacting our planet and food systems in many ways.
Poor soil moisture conditions have a negative influence on agriculture, which in turn has an unfavourable effect on ecology.Fortunately, better water retention is another one of the eco-friendly benefits of compost. Compost improves a soil’s ability to retain water in addition to boosting its nutrient content. Adding just 1% of organic matter to a garden will help the soil store thousands of extra gallons of water since compost can hold 20 times its weight in water. This is just another essential composting benefit in an increasingly arid environment.
What Is The Best Organic Compost?
If you want to enhance the nourishment of your soil naturally, let us tell you, You don’t need to spend a dime! Creating the best compost is easier than you think—all you need are materials from your yard or garden.
The ideal compost for vegetable gardens is a mix of green and brown materials. But what exactly are green and brown materials?
Green materials, rich in nitrogen and protein, accelerate composting by fueling microbial growth. Meanwhile, brown materials containing carbohydrates provide food for soil organisms and promote airflow in the compost pile.
Here are some examples:
- Green: fresh grass clippings, leaves, straw, shredded bark, manure, coffee grounds, eggshells
- Brown: wood chips, shredded bark, straw
However, remember to avoid composting items like meat, bones, dairy, diseased plants, treated wood, and non-compostable biodegradable plastics, as they can contaminate your compost with harmful substances.
What to Look for When Buying Organic Compost?
Although creating your own compost is a rewarding experience, buying organic compost can be a convenient alternative, especially if you’re short on time or space. With a variety of compost suppliers available, here’s what you need to do to choose the best option for your garden:
- Look for local compost suppliers: Supporting local businesses reduces transportation emissions and keeps your money circulating within the community.
- Understand Your Needs: Different types of compost cater to specific purposes. Some may be higher in nitrogen, ideal for leafy greens, while others may be richer in phosphorus, beneficial for flowering plants. Research the nutrient content of available compost options.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to inquire about the source materials used in the compost. Opt for compost made with recognizable organic ingredients like yard waste and food scraps.
Summary: Compost is a valuable ally in maintaining nutrient-rich soil and promoting thriving plants. Its benefits are truly astounding when used wisely.
If producing compost at home isn’t feasible, fear not. Visit Blackwoodlfs for quality compost that will enhance your plant fertility. Additionally, they offer a range of landscaping supplies, including gravel, mushroom compost, stone supplies, and more.
