Since growing conditions and plant requirements vary, compost users can benefit from information that accurately characterizes the compost products they use. This data can improve the utilization of compost in ways to best meet particular needs and to fit a specific situation. The specific characteristics of a compost product determines how, and in which applications it can be best utilized. Characterization data helps the compost user obtain product that is appropriate for use with their project or application.
Compost bears little physical resemblance to the raw material from which it originated.
Compost is an organic matter source that has the unique ability to improve the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of soils or growing media. It contains plant nutrients but is typically not characterized as a fertilizer. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH of 7 indicating neutrality. A pH change of 1 unit means a 10-fold increase or decrease of acidity. Most composts have a pH of between 6 and 8.