When newly formed, the pile heats up from the microbial action. The composting process takes anywhere from several weeks to a year, and finishes when most of the original materials decompose. The result is dark brown, crumbly compost with a sweet, earthy odor. Long recommends mixing the compost into the garden soil 2-4 weeks before planting. Compost can also be left on top of the soil as a mulch to help prevent plant diseases.
Compost tea is another benefit of composting.
Long reaches the conclusion that compost is the essential ingredient in any garden to improve soil health and fertility. It also is an easy way to recycle household waste, kitchen scraps, lawn clippings, and leaves and thus provides an important way to make a system more sustainable.