Compost 101

General information

Compost is a product resulting from the controlled biological decomposition of chicken manure with litter. It has a nutrient value in the range of 1% nitrogen, 3% phosphorus, 1.5% potassium plus a large number of micronutrients including boron, iron, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, etc.

Uses/ Benefits

●      As seedbed growing medium to increase growth of plants.

●      Improve soil texture, water retention, soil aeration and buffer the soil pH.

●      Replenish soil organic matter making the soil more naturally productive.

●      Necessary for placing in tree planting holes e.g. banana, citrus, ornamental plants etc.

Application Guidelines

Compost must be incorporated in the top 5cm soil at application time, except for lawn application.

Vegetables

●      Apply ½ kg compost per meter square at planting.

●      One handful compost (100gms) per meter square at 30 days and at 60 days.

Lawns

Apply ½ kg compost per meter square at any time of the year to improve the quality of the lawn. This must be followed by irrigation.

Flower beds

One handful (100gms) per meter square every 30 days during aeration to keep your plants looking healthy.

Seedbeds

●      As growing medium in seed trays, 2 to 5 kg’s per tray depending on tray size.

●      Apply ½ kg compost per meter square at land preparation.

●      Also applied as a mulch to minimise moisture loss in seed beds as well as potted plants.

Trees

●      Place 10kg compost in a 30cm x 30cm x 30cm deep planting hole and cover with 10cm top soil before planting the tree seedling on top.

●    Apply 10kg compost per basin every 60 to 90 days to improve performance of the trees and as mulch to reduce moisture loss.

This is where we will be ending our discussion for today. Remember to share your comments, views and opinions.