Compost has also been shown to prevent erosion and silting on embankments parallel to creeks, lakes, and rivers, and prevents erosion and turf loss on roadsides, hillsides, playing fields, and golf courses. Using compost also has economic benefits Using compost can reduce the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides. It produces a marketable commodity and is a low-cost alternative to standard landfill cover and artificial soil amendments. It is not composted, but it does decompose slowly in place, when applied as a ground cover. Mulch uses are somewhat different from those of compost, but there are many benefits they share.
Farmers use compost for enhancing crops and for sod farms.
Landscapers use compost as a soil amendment and for decorative purposes at properties, golf courses, and athletic fields. Landfill operators use compost to cover landfills and carry out reclamation projects. Nurseries use compost for enhancing plant and forest seedling crops in reforestation projects and to prevent certain plant diseases such as root rot. Public agencies use compost for landscaping highway median strips, parks, recreational areas, and other public property and remediating contaminated or eroded sites. Homeowners use mature compost to enrich gardens, improve the soil around trees and shrubs, use as soil additive for house plants and planter boxes and as a protective mulch for trees and shrubs.