What is finished compost?
Compost which undergoes adequate decomposition will normally result in a product that favors plant growth, improves soil fertility and potentially suppresses soil-borne pathogens. Such a compost is considered a “finished compost”. Unfortunately, often times compost will not be fully matured, meaning it does not undergo sufficient breakdown to become stable and growth promoting. Such composts may not only be odorous, they may also be “phytotoxic”, and will suppress plant growth. The primary cause of the retardation is oxygen deprivation within the root zone (from nethane gas emissions via the decomposition process) and direct damage via volatile organic acids present in unripe compost. Such composts often have a medium to high respiration rate, and may have a high ammonia level as well. Unfortunately, it is difficult to visually inspect compost to determine whether or not it is ‘finished’, therefore, it is imperative to use compost from trusted and reputable suppliers.
