What Is Compost And How Does It Benefit Garden Soil?

In a nutshell, compost is stable humus material created by combining organic wastes like leaves, grass trimmings and food wastes into proper ratios in piles or containers. Then control the temperature, moisture and oxygen to accelerate decomposition. Bulking agents are added to the compost piles like wood chips, to provide needed air space.
This newly created compost pile goes through a decomposition and curing process in which microorganisms use the organic material for their food and energy. The raw organic material is processed naturally and the end result is mature compost for garden use.
Compost improves garden soil structure and increases the garden soil's ability to absorb and hold water and nutrients.
Compost reduces soil compaction and top soil crusting. The loose soil improves plant root growth and makes cultivation easier. The earthworm population will increase in soil that has had compost added to it. Earthworm help prevent soil compaction naturally and add nutrients to the garden soil.
Garden soil that has compost added needs less fertilizer and also helps prevent soil erosion.