The natural biological cycle of growth and decay creates compost. A plant that has grown by gathering nutrients and water from the soil, energy from the sun, and carbon dioxide from the air, dies and becomes the raw material of the decay process. Microorganisms, worms, fungi and insects recycle materials from the decaying plants into their bodies and eventually back into the soil. Compost is the material that results from the decay process and is similar to organic matter in the soil.

Compost has many benefits for the soil. It improves drainage and aeration of clay soils, preventing water logged plants. It increases the moisture and nutrient holding capacities of sandy soils, and reduces drought damage to plants. Compost helps keep nutrients in the soil near plant roots, and it can immobilize and degrade pollutants. By preventing crusting on the top of the soil, compost can help seeds to sprout and water to soak in more easily.

History

The first recorded composter was Marcus Cato who lived over 2,000 years ago. George Washington Carver, famous for helping people understand the benefits of peanuts, also taught that compost was important for gardens and that it was cost-effective.

Resources

Master Composter/Soil Builder notebook available for review in the Seattle Tilth office.

Seattle Public Utilities Composting Information