What is Compost?
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. As microorganisms feed on the material, they use carbon and nitrogen to grow and reproduce, water to digest materials, and oxygen to breathe.
Why Compost?
On a broad scale, composting helps combat climate change and is a key process for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, especially in agrarian areas like the Palouse. Specifically, Composting helps in these ways:
Recycles food and yard waste that would otherwise be trash.
Prevents the buildup of greenhouse gases generated during decomposition.
Reduces vehicle emissions for the hauling/processing of the material.
Builds healthier soil by adding key nutrients plants love.
Retains moister to reduce the need for watering,
Prevents soil erosion.
Improves plant growth.
Traps carbon in soil, reducing the effects of global warning.
On a more individual level, Composting can have tremendous impact on your home garden, flower boxes, and windowsill plants. By Composting, you can:
Save money by reducing the need for fertilizer, pesticide, watering, and topsoil.
Do your part in keeping additional non-recyclable, non-Trexable plastic from entering into the waste stream.
Implement composting into your daily routine with minimal effort, equipment, expense or expertise.
Plus, it’s fun to play in the dirt! Your plants and your ecosystem will thank you.
Learn more about the benefits of and how to incorporate Composting into your home here!