Compost

Compost makes soils happy!

Compost is the result of decomposition of organic material in a controlled environment. Compost provides Soil Organic Matter (SOM), nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms. SOM stimulates microbial activity, improves the structure, and increases the water-holding ability.

Compost looks like soil but it is not. It should not be used as a stand-alone grow medium, as it often is too strong, and salinity can be an issue ‒a little goes a long way to build a healthy living soil ecosystem! Here are general indications for application rates:

• Side or topdressing along established plants or perennials only needs a 0.25'' layer.
• Good practice for annual maintenance of beds that are doing well is to apply a 0.5'' layer of compost; rake it in lightly.
• You can be more generous if it's been a while since it has received compost. For instance you could apply 1-2'' and blend it into the top 6-8 inches of soil or grow medium.

As the season progresses, compost tea can be an excellent way of adding nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. How-to available here.

Compost can be added any time of the year. Wherever possible, it can be better to amend in the fall rather than the following spring. Among other reasons:

• Winter will allow compost to integrate with the soil.
• The beneficial microorganisms coming with the compost will have a chance to kickstart soil life as early as possible in the spring.
• The window of opportunity for garden prep typically being very short in the Yukon, any task that can be done beforehand can make things smoother and stack up the chances of success.

For hot tips on composting North of 60, don't hesitate to check-out Zero Waste Yukon's resources!

Specific weight of compost can vary 500-600 kg/m³ depending on moisture content, with typical value at 550 kg/m³.

See sections ''Soil Blends'' for blends of compost.