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TURN WASTE <br />INTO A MATERIAL <br />TO IMPROVE <br />YOUR SOIL. <br />Composting is a microbial <br />process that converts waste from <br />your kitchen and yard, such as <br />fruit and vegetable peelings, grass <br />clippings and leaves, into a more <br />usable organic soil amendment <br />or mulch. Gardeners have used <br />compost for centuries to increase <br />soil organic matter, to improve <br />soil's physical properties, and to <br />supply some of essential nutrients <br />for plant growth. <br />THE BENEFITS OF USING COMPOST <br />As a soil amendment: Compost loosens and aerates soil, and improves <br />water and nutrient retention. By adding 1-2"of compost to the top 6-8" <br />of garden, you can improve structure over time, making it easier to work <br />while creating a better environment for plant growth. Compost also <br />improves drainage and aeration in heavy clay soils. Sandy soils benefit <br />from compost as well, it improves moisture -holding capacity. <br />Adding compost to your soil will attract beneficial organisms such <br />as earthworms and microorganisms, that break down organic matter <br />naturally. Compost can also improve seedling emergence and water <br />infiltration by reducing the potential for soil crusting. <br />As a mulch: Adding 6-8" of compost to garden beds can suppress <br />weeds by blocking light to the soil surface. The mulch will decompose, <br />adding organic matter to the soil. Compost also reduces the potential <br />for erosion by protecting the soil surface from wind and the impact of <br />hard rain. <br />