How to Grow More Vegetables : And Fruits, Nuts ... - Shroomery

FUNCTIONS OF COMPOST IN THE SOIL
Improved Structure—compost breaks up clay and clods, and
binds together sandy soil. Helps make proper aeration in clayey
and sandy soil possible.
Moisture Retention—compost holds 6 times its own weight in
water. A soil with good organic matter content soaks up rain
like a sponge and regulates the supply to plants. A soil stripped
of organic matter resists water penetration, thus leading to
crusting, erosion, and flooding.
Aeration—plants can obtain 96% of the nutrients they need
from the air, sun, and water. A loose, healthy soil assists in
diffusing air and moisture into the soil and in exchanging
nutrients. Carbon dioxide released by organic matter decomposition
diffuses out of the soil and is absorbed by the canopy of
leaves above in a raised bed mini-climate created by closely
spaced plants.
Fertilization—compost contains some nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium, magnesium, and sulfur but is especially important
for trace elements. The important principle is to return to the
earth, by the use of plant residues and manures, all that has
been taken out of it.
Nitrogen Storage—the compost pile is a storehouse for nitrogen.
Because it is tied up in the compost-breakdown process, watersoluble
nitrogen does not leach out or oxidize into the air for a
period of 3 to 6 months or more—depending on how the pile is
built and maintained.
pH Buffer—a good percentage of compost in the soil allows
plants to grow better in less-than-optimal pH situations.
Soil Toxin Neutralizer—important recent studies show that
plants grown in organically composted soils take up less lead,
heavy metals, and other urban pollutants.
Nutrient Release—organic acids dissolve soil minerals and make
them available to plants. As organic matter decomposes, it
releases nutrients for plant uptake and for the soil microbial
population.
Food for Microbial Life—good compost creates healthy conditions
for organisms that live in the soil. Compost harbors earthworms
and beneficial fungi that fight nematodes and other soil
pests.
The Ultimate in Recycling—the earth provides us with food,
clothing, and shelter, and we close the cycle in offering fertility,
health, and life through the shepherding of materials.
Note
In order to maintain good soil fertility,
approximately 4% to 6% (by weight)
organic matter is needed in temperate
soils. About 3% is desirable in tropical
soils. It is noteworthy that the soil
organic matter level used to be measured
11 inches deep many years ago.
Later, the measurement level was
reduced to 6 2/3 inches. Today, it has
been further reduced to less than
6 inches deep.
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