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Composting
Composting is an aerobic biological process that converts organic waste into a stable organic product that can be used onsite or transported offsite for use. Composting reduces the volume of water and kills pathogens while preserving more of the nutrients for use by crops. The composted material improves soil fertility, tilth (tilled earth), and water hold capacity.
Compost has been viewed as a valuable soil amendment for centuries. Most people are aware that the use of compost is an effective way to improve plant growth. Compost-enriched soil can also reduce erosion and nutrient runoff, alleviate soil compaction, and help control disease and pest infestation in plants. These beneficial uses of compost can increase healthy plant production, help save money, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, and conserve natural resources.
Compost can be used for:
- Bioremediation and pollution prevention
- Disease control for plants and animals
- Erosion control and landscaping
- Composting of contaminated soils
- Reforestation, wetlands restoration, and habitat revitalization
In the poultry industry, composting also has become a cost-effective method of mortality management. It destroys disease organisms and creates a nutrient-rich product that can be used or sold.
Related publications from the Ag Center
Composting
Sector Notebooks - Industry Sector ProfilesMore information from EPA
Composting - innovative uses for compost.
GreenScapes - provides cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for large-scale landscaping.
GreenScaping for Homeowners: The Easy Way to a Greener, Healthier Yard - GreenScaping encompasses a set of landscaping practices that can improve the health and appearance of your lawn and garden while protecting and preserving natural resources.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing - a federal-wide program that encourages and assists Executive agencies in the purchasing of environmentally preferable products and services.
National Homeland Security Research Center - The National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) develops and delivers reliable, responsive expertise and products based on scientific research and evaluations of technology. Our expertise and products are widely used to prevent, prepare for, and recover from public health and environmental emergencies arising from terrorist threats and incidents.
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EPA's Ag Center. 