Compost is produced from the controlled biological decomposition of organic matter.  The benefits of compost are significant and varied.  Benefits are long-term and related to the product’s organic matter content.

What is Compost?

• Organic resource able to improve the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of soils
• Bears little resemblance to the raw material from which it originated
• Sanitized through the generation of heat
• Stabilized to the point that it is beneficial to plant growth

Key Attributes

• Extremely versatile and beneficial
• Improves the properties of soils and growing media in three key ways:
  • Physically (structurally)
  • Chemically (nutritionally)
  • Biologically

How is Compost Produced?

• Produced through the activity of aerobic microorganisms
• Aerobic microbes require oxygen and food in order to grow and mutiply
• When these factors are maintained at optimal levels, the natural decomposition process is greatly accelerated
• The microbes generate heat, water vapor and carbon dioxide as they transform raw materials into compost
• Active composting is typically characterized by:
  • A high-temperature phase that sanitizes the product and allows a high rate of decomposition
  • A lower-temperature phase that allows the product to stabilize while still decomposing at a lower rate