Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
11.5.1.3
Pollutant Degradation
Organic pollutants in contaminated water and soil could be reduced by fully es-
tablished compost. Many types of contaminant, such as chlorinated and non-chlo-
rinated hydrocarbons, solvents, pesticides and petroleum products could also be
degraded by the compost. Microorganisms present in the compost helps to break
the contaminants in to substances which pose less harmful environmental effects.
11.5.1.4
Compost as a Source of Organic Matter
There are various sources of soil organic matter, such as plant/crop residues, cover
crops and compost. Huge availability of organic matter present in the compost per-
forms valuable functions in the soil (Francis and Xiying
2007
).
11.5.1.5
Compost as Microbial Food
Fungi and bacteria use organic matter as source of food and release nutrients form
soil. Hence, compost supplies a source of together microorganisms and their energy
as well as home for microorganisms.
11.5.1.6
Nutrients and Water Retention
Compost is not only a nutrient source but also, its organic material can grasp onto
various essential elements via its cation exchange capacity. There is negative charge
on molecules of compost, they magnetize and hold onto positively charged ions,
like NH
4
+
, K
+
, Ca
2+
and Mg
2+
.
11.5.1.7
Improvement in the Physical Properties of Soils
Structure of soil improved by addition of compost as this practice reduces bulk
density of the soil. Root penetration could be improved by the application of the
compost in compressed soils. Bonding between the organic matter and water mol-
ecules increase the water holding capacity of the soil and ultimately soil structure as
well as water movement and hence water requirement will be reduced. Compost ap-
plication could safeguard the soil surface from wind and water erosion. It increases
the rate of infiltration, lower the water runoff and increase the surface moisture.
It supplies sufficient oxygen to roots, improves soil aeration and removes excess
CO
2
from the root zone. Compost boosts the soil temperature directly through its
dark color, which augment heat assimilation by the soil. It also helps modest soil
temperature and avoids quick variations of soil temperature, thus, extend a good
atmosphere for root expansion.
