In the forest, leaves and twigs fall from trees and animals drop their wastes or die. This is Mother Nature's way of making humus, a dark, relatively stable residue, from the decomposition of organic matter.
People can also produce a humus-like material by the managed composting of organic wastes.
Composting creates a valuable soil amendment with stable forms of organic matter and desirable handling and storage qualities. From materials that offend the nose and attract insects, people can make a material that is pleasant to handle and use. While Mother Nature's way of making humus can take years, managed composting can be completed in as little time as eight weeks. However, like any other element of an agriculture operation, composting requires planning, time, and commitment. Composting could be an effective way to deal with manure on animal operations where nutrients exceed land available for manure application.