By Lam Peng Sam
It s a rigid law of nature that the dead, often complex, organic remains of plants and animals must be broken down into simpler compounds or components that can be used by living and growing things.
These organic debris or remains are integrated with water, air and the mineral material of the soil to form humus — soluble nutrients that serve to raise the fertility of the soil.
In nature, this organic recycling goes on year after year, unimpeded, and in this way soil fertility is built up.
In gardens, however, much of the plant cover (in the form of food crops and flowers, et cetera) are removed and seldom replaced. The organic and humus content of the soil thus decline.
Previously, one could buy well-rotted organic manure and use it as a good replacement of humus and plant food to sustain healthy plant growth.
However, these are getting scarce and difficult to come by. The other option is compost and many reputable firms make it from old shredded oil palm bunches and other organic materials.
Making your own compost is not difficult. Compost is the end product resulting from the breakdown of organic debris by bacteria and other micro-organisms, assisted by macro-organisms such as insects and earthworms in a moist, warm and aerated environment.
The basic materials required for compost-making are readily available at little or no cost from your home and garden.
The process demands little skill or know-how and produces an end product which is a cheap and valuable organic fertiliser. It is ideal for improving the quality of your garden soil. Read more on the benefits of organic fertilisers and and how to produce them.
It s a rigid law of nature that the dead, often complex, organic remains of plants and animals must be broken down into simpler compounds or components that can be used by living and growing things.
These organic debris or remains are integrated with water, air and the mineral material of the soil to form humus — soluble nutrients that serve to raise the fertility of the soil.
In nature, this organic recycling goes on year after year, unimpeded, and in this way soil fertility is built up.
In gardens, however, much of the plant cover (in the form of food crops and flowers, et cetera) are removed and seldom replaced. The organic and humus content of the soil thus decline.
Previously, one could buy well-rotted organic manure and use it as a good replacement of humus and plant food to sustain healthy plant growth.
However, these are getting scarce and difficult to come by. The other option is compost and many reputable firms make it from old shredded oil palm bunches and other organic materials.
Making your own compost is not difficult. Compost is the end product resulting from the breakdown of organic debris by bacteria and other micro-organisms, assisted by macro-organisms such as insects and earthworms in a moist, warm and aerated environment.
The basic materials required for compost-making are readily available at little or no cost from your home and garden.
The process demands little skill or know-how and produces an end product which is a cheap and valuable organic fertiliser. It is ideal for improving the quality of your garden soil. Read more on the benefits of organic fertilisers and and how to produce them.
