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Compost helps feed the web of life

John Anderson, Special to The Rocky

Published April 7, 2007 at midnight

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Question: I hear so much about compost in gardening magazines and see it next to the bags of peat moss and fertilizer at the store. What is it?

Answer: Compost is any dead organic matter at varying stages of decomposition. The word compost is derived from the action of decomposition. Standardization of making compost and the process of composting isn't strongly regulated in the U.S., because of the varying ways to create it. Composting is a relatively new science but is an ancient art.

Nature has been decomposing organic matter since there has been vegetative matter on the planet. The dead organic matter in compost is being eaten by bacteria, fungi and a host of other micro- and macro-organisms that use the energy to continue their role in the web of life.

Eventually the decayed material breaks down into the basic elements from which it was made.

Our soils are fractions of sand, silt, clay, organic matter and air. When we add compost to our soil, we literally enliven it with microbes. These microbes attract other things we see in healthy soils, such as worms, spring tails, sow bugs and millipedes. These critters have an important role in decomposition, air management and nutrient cycling in the soil. These processes will continue if we "feed" the soil with organic matter and water.

The actions and reactions of all the organisms in this complex cycle work to improve soil structure. Adding compost increases soil water-holding capacity and provides nutrients. Healthy soil grows healthy plants, which feed humans and animals.

Learn to make your own compost by attending classes sponsored by city or garden clubs or following instruction from CSU Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet 7.212, "Composting Yard Waste," available at .edu/pubs/garden/ 07212.html or by calling the Cooperative Extension office in your county.

John Anderson is a Colorado State University Cooperative Extension master gardener in Larimer County.