These beneficial uses of compost can increase healthy plant production, help save money, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, and conserve natural resources. Compost used for a specific purpose or with a particular soil type works best when it is tailor-made or specially designed. For example, compost that is intended to prevent erosion might not provide the best results when used to alleviate soil compaction, and vice versa. Technical parameters to consider when customizing a compost mixture include maturity, stability, pH level, density, particle size, moisture, salinity, and organic content, all of which can be adjusted to fit a specific application and soil type. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States loses more than 2 billion tons of topsoil through erosion each year.
Erosion occurs when wind and rain dislodge topsoil from fields and hillsides.
Stripped of its valuable top layer, which contains many essential nutrients, the soil left behind is often too poor to sustain good plant growth. Eroded topsoil can also be carried into rivers, streams, and lakes. This excess sediment, sometimes containing fertilizers or toxic materials, threatens the health of aquatic organisms. It can also compromise the commercial, recreational, and aesthetic value of water resources. As a result, preventing erosion is essential for protecting waterways and maintaining the quality and productivity of soil.