Dick,W., H. Hoitink, and W. Zhang. Dick, Warren, Harry Hoitink, and Weizheng Zhang.
Study shows compost enhances disease resistance.
This article reported an increase in the disease resistance of plants grown in soils containing compost. There are certain microorganisms found in compost which could help to reduce the need for pesticides. The specific purpose of the study reported here was to determine if a systematic acquired resistance that utilizes these microorganisms is a factor in disease protection from compost. The idea of systematic acquired resistance is that if plants are infected by a mild strain of a microorganism, the plants increase their resistance to other, more serious disease-causing organisms. In terms of sustainability, micro-organisms in compost make plants healthier, and the use of less pesticide has environmental and economic benefits.