T
This manure rots
n
1
and does not have a
foul
a
Answers
Answer:
What is compost?
Compost is the partially decomposed remains of plants. In its final state of decomposition it is referred to as humus.
Does compost have any value as a fertilizer?
Yes, because decomposed materials have some nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium content even though in small amounts. The addition of garden fertilizers to speed up decomposition supplies some of the nutrients as well.
Can compost be used as a substitute for fertilizer in the garden?
It can be used as a source of nutrients, however, there are not enough nutrients present in the compost to supply the needs of vegetable crops and ornamental plants. The lack of large amounts of nutrients in compost is far outweighed particle size of the material being composted depends on the final use of the compost.
However, on farms and large gardens, it is doubtful whether the advantages of shredding will be sufficient to justify the additional cost and labor. In ordinary composting any particles that are too large can be forked or screened out and broken up when necessary. If the material is to be used on lawns or flower gardens, it can be screened after composting through a 1-inch or smaller screen to give it a better appearance and to make it easier to apply and work into the soil. The individual farmer or gardener may not be necessarily particular about the uniformity of the compost structure when preparing the compost. Nor is the uniformity as important for agriculture fields as for the hobby gardener.
Initial shredding of all the material is not necessary in the composting operation. It is often the best practice to limit the initial shredding to large pieces of organic materials. Some composters believe that permitting some larger irregular pieces to remain tends to create greater air spaces in the mass and entrap more oxygen. Undecomposed pieces can be screened out of the final compost and put back through the decomposing process.
Vegetative and herbaceous matter should not be ground because it becomes soggy. The high moisture content of these materials makes them useful in small quantities throughout the composting process.