Composting converts plant material, such as leaves and grass clippings, to a more usable organic soil amendment or mulch. For centuries people have used compost to improve soil conditions for planting crops, gardens, and flower beds.
Compost increases organic matter in the soil and adds nutrients for plant growth.
It also helps hold moisture in light, sandy soil and improves drainage in heavy soil. For composting to work, a certain level of microbial activity must be maintained. Organic materials decompose more efficiently if adequate oxygen, moisture, and nitrogen are present. Particle size is also a factor. The smaller the plant particles, the faster they will decompose.