Well-nurtured soil will nurture all of the plants a part of it. The organic matter of compost, humus, gives soil its healthy structure. Humus allows the soil to absorb and retain water. Compost holds 9 times in weight of water, which is 900 percent retention, compared to sand, which holds less than 2 percent, and clay, which retains 20 percent. Peat moss holds around 15 times its weight of water, however it contains minimal, if any nutrients.
Water retention is crucial for good root growth and drainage.
Compost, which is surprisingly odorless, has the key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium needed for optimum plant growth. Commercial, synthetic fertilizers feed only the plant and not the soil. We apply more than 58 percent more nitrates to plants and crops than we did 20 years ago. Substituting these fertilizers for nutrients only inhibits soil healthiness for the long run. Compost can be used in a variety of ways in your lawn or garden.