Failure to heat may be caused by too little or too much water, improper aeration, packing too tightly, or a pile that is too small. During dry weather it may be necessary to add more water. The moisture content of the interior of the pile should be observed while turning. The major horticultural use for leaf compost is to improve the organic content of soil. Leaf compost is not normally a fertilizer, because it is too low in nutrients.
Compost serves primarily as an organic amendment and as a soil conditioner.
Soil mulch is another valuable use for leaf compost. If Plants Could Talk'' 2000 William T. Hlubik , Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.