Compost Lawns and Soil

Farmers and gardeners are familiar with the benefits of compose gardening. Deterioration of the soil has been a problem nationally. Poor soil management and lack of knowledge have damaged the earth. This destruction has placed limits on the natural restoration process of the soil. For years, over use by planting one-crop after another on the same soil, has made the soils’ PH unbalanced. This unbalanced soil produces plants that are not able to withstand the weather, produce stunted crops or are unable to grow at all.

Dangers of Chemical Gardening To Plants

Chemical fertilizer can be very harsh on plants. Directions on the packaging, give instructions on how carefully the chemicals needed to be handled. The instructions relay how dangerous these chemicals can be to the skin, pets and plants. Heavy metals in these fertilizers include arsenic, cadmium and lead. Built up over time, heavy metals will kill the good microbes needed to sustain plant life. Petroleum and other non-sustainable sources add to the problem by creating a rebound effect that requires the continual use of pesticides.

Advantages of Compost Gardening

On the other hand, research has shown that the natural composting process will not only absorb odors but will also bind with heavy metals that have previously destroyed the soil. The binding process will prevent contaminated ground water from being reabsorbed and damaging the vegetation.

Over the last few decades, the science of how to create a living compost and its place in restoring the soil, has become common knowledge. Compose gardening has became a given in the agricultural world. Compost gardening is the process of using organic matter to support soil that has been damaged. When compost is added to damaged soil, it supports the beneficial nutrients that are produced by earthworms and other living organisms. As the compost and the damaged soil work together, they create a wholesome soil from dirt that would have remained unusable. This process works to repair most types of soil. Compost gardening helps wet clay soils drain while at the same time, providing a medium that keeps sandy soils from draining too fast.

Correct Formula For Plant Soil

Building a compost garden is fairly straight forward. Using a formula that is 25% compost to soil, spread this over the garden spot. Next, depending on the size of the garden, turn the soil with either a rake or a cultivator. Spread the compost again and turn the soil one more time. This process thoroughly combines the soil and the compost so that the chemistry takes place when the soil is watered. Repeat this process once a year and create a soil that will grow blue ribbon produce every time.