Healthy soil is said to consist of 45% minerals, 25% air, 25% water, 3% to 5% organic matter, and 1% live soil organisms. All of these ingredients are important, but most important are the organic matter and soil organisms. Without them, soil would be virtually sterile and incapable of sustaining plant life.
The organic content of soil is both a home and a food source for soil organisms. Without organic matter, these organisms will go dormant or die off. Organic matter also helps to conserve moisture and protect from temperature extremes.
In nature, it is the beneficial soil organisms in soil that convert the nutrients in minerals and organic matter to a form plants can use, provide aeration through their tunneling and keep harmful organisms in check. As an additional benefit, most soil organism’s have a short life cycle, and when they die, their bodies provide a rich source of additional nutrients.
Plant and soil experts universally agree that the number one solution to most soil and plant problems is the addition of organic matter in the form of compost. But which compost?
Any true compost is good. Problem is, most of the composts sold through discounters and mass merchandisers don’t deserve to be called “compost”. Many are made from discarded wood pallets and other shipping containers which may be contaminated with hazardous materials. The compost you make at home from your own yard and household waste is probably the best because it’s free and it’s a great way to recycle.
The best commercially produced compost is unquestionably Back To Nature Cotton Burr Compost. Cotton bolls are the bud leafs of the cotton plant. They are rich in protein and are a natural, organic fertilizer with more nutrient than manures. When properly composted, cotton bolls/burrs are prized for their ability to break up clay soils and improve moisture retention and fertility in sand.
Back To Nature Cotton Burr Compost is a rich, dark brown compost with a wonderful earthy smell. Its medium texture results in looser soil and improved moisture transpiration. It is long lasting, low in salts, free from weeds, insects, chemicals and pathogens and contains lots of beneficial organisms.
A good be mix is 1/3 Back To Nature Cotton Burr Compost and 2/3rds native soil. It can also be applied as mulch in beds, or as a thin top dressing on lawns.
Back To Nature Cotton Boll Compost also helps to control fungal diseases in beds and turf and can produce dramatic results when applied ½” thick at the base of trees or plants in stress. Apply from the trunk to about 1’ beyond the drip line of the plant and water in.
A wonderful new Back To Nature Product is “Nature’s Blend”, a fine screened mix of composted cotton burrs & cattle manure with humate and alfalfa. Nature’s Blend’s fine texture makes it an ideal top dressing for lawns and for beds with existing plant material.
Back To Nature, Inc. is a member of the United States Composting Council. Our products have the USCC’s “Seal of Testing Assurance”.
