Rejuvenating lawns and gardens with SECRETS from the Garden of Eden
In the Garden of Eden, blossoms, leaves and forbidden fruit from that famous tree dropped and decayed on the forest floor. This natural process of nature continues today wherever organic matter is found. Of course, in the 1990s, you are likely to think about "compost" and "composting" when discussing the decomposition of organic matter.
Composting is a natural biological process, which converts organic material into a stable humus-like product that we call compost. During the composting process, various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, break down organic material into simpler substances. Our grandparents would probably use fewer words to describe this process, and say that "it rots."
No matter what terminology you use, good compost provides organic matter, and organic matter is very important to soil. Organic matter binds soil particles together, protects soil from compaction, retains water and holds nutrients for plant roots to utilize. It also attracts soil organisms, from earthworms that aerate and fertilize the garden or lawn to microorganisms that feed on organic matter and release nutrients for plant use.
Two common problem soil types can be rejuvenated with the addition of organic matter from compost. Heavy clay soils that are sticky to work with when wet and hard as a rock when dry will benefit greatly from additions of compost. The noticeable changes will be much improved water drainage, warmer soil, and better root penetration. Light sandy soils have a tendency to be very porous, so water and nutrients leach out of the root zone, negatively affecting plant growth. Organic matter will hold the water and nutrients needed for your lawn or plant's growth.
Recent university research has also proven that lawns treated with compost are better able to resist disease. In future, golf greens will most likely be enriched with a compost component to help reduce disease problems and fungicide usage. Top-dressing lawns with compost has lead to dramatic reductions in thatch because the microorganisms in the compost break down the accumulated layers of dead grass, ensuring a healthier lawn.
Although good compost does not contain enough of the essential plant nutrients of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to act as a fertilizer, it does contain favourable concentrations of most nutrients and at values above those of other organic materials like peat moss. Sources of raw materials also impact the quality of the compost. If nitrogen-rich raw materials (such as grass clippings and manure) are used as the ingredients, then nitrogen levels of the resulting compost may be higher than if the compost is produced from carbon sources such as woody materials.
Compost should be considered a soil amendment, not a fertilizer. Immature compost can actually rob the soil of nutrients, like nitrogen, during the decomposition process. Microorganisms use existing soil nitrogen as fuel while they are converting the compost, and this temporary dip in nitrogen levels in the soil could be detrimental to your plants.
Commercially composted materials have been piled in rows and allowed to reach internal temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius. This treatment kills harmful bacteria and weed seeds, but a substantial number of beneficial bacteria will survive and remain in the compost.
Three excellent sources of compost are:
- animal manure (poultry, cattle, and sheep)
- compost from licensed compost facilities (leaf and yard waste)
- compost from backyard composters (kitchen product waste, leaf & yard waste)
Create your own piece of the Garden of Eden by utilizing composts in your lawns and gardens.
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