Compost use

Compost is a class of soil amending products that improves the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, resulting in better plant health and environmental quality. This chapter describes the practices and benefits of compost in a wide array of uses in agricultural, horticultural, viticulture, forestry, urban landscape, and greenhouses and for erosion, stormwater control, and carbon sequestration. Compost application practices are discussed in general and specific to particular crops. Compost's effects depend on many variables, including the soil type and properties, the characteristics of the compost (e.g., nutrients, maturity, salinity, etc.), application methods, rate, and frequency, and the expected benefits.