Areas of Benefit

Benefits of using compost

Soil health aspects

1) It improves soil structure, which helps plant root growth.

2) Higher activity of soil microbes helps to increase soil fertility and biological activity, which ultimately leads to a sufficient supply of essential plant nutrients.

3) Compost helps to increase the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil and contributes to soil organic matter build-up.

4) It reduces soil erosion and improves water holding capacity of the soil. It replenishes exhausted farm soils by replacing trace minerals and organic material.

Environmental aspects

1) Recycling of waste materials helps to keep the environment clean from pollution.

2) Compost helps to reduce GHG (e.g. carbon dioxide) emission from the soil by recycling waste materials into fertilizers.

3) Composting helps to minimize the pressure on chemical fertilizers, which has a negative impact on soil, water, and environmental quality through leaching and gas emission.

Economical aspects

1) It reduces the cost of production by minimizing the use of fertilizers in the long run. Whether the benefits are not visible instantly, it helps to improve soil fertility and contributes to an increase in crop yield in the long term.

2) Contributes to the national economy by creating income-generating sectors (composting industries) for the unemployed poor people.

3) Increased water holding capacity of the soil decreases the frequency of irrigation, which minimizes the cost of irrigation.

4) Improves the health and workability of soils, resulting in less fuel consumption in tillage operation.