Public Works

BENEFITS OF USING COMPOSTS AND MULCHES

Compost is a wonderful soil amendment with some fertilizer value. It is derived from the natural decomposition of leaves, plants, manures, and biosolids by microorganisms. The end result of this process is a dark, crumbly, earthy smelling material called compost. Not all composts are alike. Composts originate from a variety of sources, therefore, the quality and use of the composts vary. Generally, if compost resembles soil, it can be used in potting mixes, as a garden soil amendment, and in turf applications. If the light colored and composed of larger amounts of wood chips, bark or straw, it should be used as mulch. Composts improve the aeration and drainage of heavy clay soils, Improve water-holding capacity of sandy soils, and increase the ability of all soils to retain nutrients. Using compost can improve turf performance and soil quality for gardens, vegetables, flowers, etc Composts can aid in reducing surface crusting and compaction. Composts contain organic forms of plant nutrients which are released as microorganisms break down the material. Compost nutrients become available to plant roots slowly and are less likely to be lost by leaching. These improvements promote faster turf establishment and better rooting, Improved stand quality, and reduced fertilizer needs. Mulches reduce moisture loss from soil and promote rooting near the surface. Greater rooting near the surface increases water, nutrient, and oxygen absorption, leading to healthier plants. Mulches can also moderate surface soil temperatures, control annual weeds and grasses, reduce compaction and the need for tillage, decrease runoff and soil erosion, protect the trunk of woody vegetation from mower damage and allow easier movement through landscapes and gardens during wet periods. The properly selected mulch also adds visually to a landscape, and can be used to direct human movement.

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