Return to: U of M Home
Compost (pronounced /ˈkɒmpɒst/ or US /ˈkɒmpoʊst/) also known as brown manure, is the aerobically decomposed remnants of organic matter. It is used in landscaping, horticulture and agriculture as a soil conditioner and fertiliser. It is also useful for erosion control, land and stream reclamation, wetland construction, and as landfill cover (see compost uses).
Compost serves as a growing medium,or a porous, absorbent material that holds moisture and soluble minerals, providing the support and nutrients in which most plants will flourish. To maximize plant growth, it is sometimes necessary to dilute compost with soil or peat to reduce salinity or to add neutralisers to bring the pH closer to 7, or additional nutrients like fertilisers or manure, wetting agents, and materials to improve drainage and aeration, such as sand, grit, bark chips, vermiculite, perlite, or clay granules.
I am giving you a live link to our publication on making compost. It is important to remember that you NEVER add meat, milk products, grease, whole eggs or feces to a compost pile. Vegetable scraps and egg shells are perfectly acceptable.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3899.html