By Daniel Harri
Compost is the best mulch that you could ever use on your plants. It offers an alternative to commercial fertilizers. Using it enhances soil texture, aeration and structure. It also increases the water holding capability of soil. The best advantage of organic compost is that it is not expensive. Here are some of the best uses for organic compost.
1. Mulch
A simple example of a natural organic compost system is present in our forests. Here, the leaves act like mulch and they slowly decompose, conditioning the surrounding soil through recycling nutrients. Similarly, yard debris like grass clippings, shredded branches or leaves can be utilized like mulch. Over time, this mulch will turn into organic compost and benefit your plants.
Remember not to incorporate the mulch in the soil. In fact, when using organic compost like mulch, you should keep it 3 inches away from the plant stems. This enables nutrients to filter in the soil without having to rob nitrogen from plant roots. Using compost like mulch offers extensive benefits. These benefits include promoting moisture retention, breaking down to offer nutrients and insulating the soil against extreme temperatures.
2. Soil amendment
Organic compost is best used like a soil amendment. It increases the organic matter content in soil, which is vital for plant growth and development. Subtropical and tropical soils are infamous for lacking this essential material, while temperate soils contain close to 50% of organic matter. Compost can go a long way in increasing organic matter content in soils.
Since subtropical and tropical soils never freeze, thus microbial activity occurs throughout the year. In consequence, organic content of the soil is quickly used up. Due to the constant microbial activity together with year-round hot weather, famers are recommended to apply organic compost annually. Furthermore, they can also apply as needed so as to enhance the organic matter component of soil.
3. Potting mix
Organic compost could as be used like a great potting soil when setting up a container nursery. This use stems from the fact that organic compost offers excellent water retention properties and also some essential nutrients. Nevertheless, gardeners should ensure that only finished or fully decomposed compost is used like potting mix.
Plants grown in a container require a soil that will not only retain moisture, but one that is also well drained. Many garden enthusiasts thereby blend organic compost together with coarse sand to provide an optimal potting soil.
4. Tea
Lastly, another best use for organic compost is making compost tea. This is the best way to offer compost nutrients to potted plants and indoor plants. Such plants normally have limited spaces for adding the regular organic compost.
This tea is made by placing finished compost in a woven material or bag and then placing it into a container of water. Allow the compost to sit there for some time and then remove the container. The resultant liquid is what is referred to as organic compost tea.
Compost tea is beneficial as it extracts microorganisms and nutrients from organic compost. It then allows users to apply all these useful components to their plants. Hence, compost tea functions like an effective liquid fertilizer that has a high content of micronutrients.
Compost is the best mulch that you could ever use on your plants. It offers an alternative to commercial fertilizers. Using it enhances soil texture, aeration and structure. It also increases the water holding capability of soil. The best advantage of organic compost is that it is not expensive. Here are some of the best uses for organic compost.
1. Mulch
A simple example of a natural organic compost system is present in our forests. Here, the leaves act like mulch and they slowly decompose, conditioning the surrounding soil through recycling nutrients. Similarly, yard debris like grass clippings, shredded branches or leaves can be utilized like mulch. Over time, this mulch will turn into organic compost and benefit your plants.
Remember not to incorporate the mulch in the soil. In fact, when using organic compost like mulch, you should keep it 3 inches away from the plant stems. This enables nutrients to filter in the soil without having to rob nitrogen from plant roots. Using compost like mulch offers extensive benefits. These benefits include promoting moisture retention, breaking down to offer nutrients and insulating the soil against extreme temperatures.
2. Soil amendment
Organic compost is best used like a soil amendment. It increases the organic matter content in soil, which is vital for plant growth and development. Subtropical and tropical soils are infamous for lacking this essential material, while temperate soils contain close to 50% of organic matter. Compost can go a long way in increasing organic matter content in soils.
Since subtropical and tropical soils never freeze, thus microbial activity occurs throughout the year. In consequence, organic content of the soil is quickly used up. Due to the constant microbial activity together with year-round hot weather, famers are recommended to apply organic compost annually. Furthermore, they can also apply as needed so as to enhance the organic matter component of soil.
3. Potting mix
Organic compost could as be used like a great potting soil when setting up a container nursery. This use stems from the fact that organic compost offers excellent water retention properties and also some essential nutrients. Nevertheless, gardeners should ensure that only finished or fully decomposed compost is used like potting mix.
Plants grown in a container require a soil that will not only retain moisture, but one that is also well drained. Many garden enthusiasts thereby blend organic compost together with coarse sand to provide an optimal potting soil.
4. Tea
Lastly, another best use for organic compost is making compost tea. This is the best way to offer compost nutrients to potted plants and indoor plants. Such plants normally have limited spaces for adding the regular organic compost.
This tea is made by placing finished compost in a woven material or bag and then placing it into a container of water. Allow the compost to sit there for some time and then remove the container. The resultant liquid is what is referred to as organic compost tea.
Compost tea is beneficial as it extracts microorganisms and nutrients from organic compost. It then allows users to apply all these useful components to their plants. Hence, compost tea functions like an effective liquid fertilizer that has a high content of micronutrients.
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