The benefits of compost for plant growth, soil health, and the environment are immense. Rich in essential macro and micronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, compost plays a crucial role in supporting plant development and improving soil fertility.

Beyond its agricultural advantages, composting also helps reduce environmental waste. By repurposing organic waste from your home, you can minimize landfill contributions and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

However, many organic and biodegradable materials around us remain unused for composting. According to Mongabay, a vast amount of organic waste is not being converted into fertilizer, despite its potential to reduce reliance on imported chemical fertilizers.  

Understanding how to make compost is a valuable skill that benefits both your plants and the planet. You can start by recognizing the types of organic waste and learning how to sort them effectively. Discover more about the benefits of compost in the sections below!

Benefits of Compost for Plants 

The benefits of compost go beyond just improving soil fertility—it also helps boost crop yields. Here are some key advantages of using compost in plant cultivation.

1. Provides Essential Nutrients

Compost contains macro- and micronutrients that plants need to grow healthily. Elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in compost support the development of strong roots, sturdy stems, and lush leaves.

2. Boost Crop Yields

Did you know that plants receiving adequate nutrition from compost tend to be healthier and more productive?

According to a study by Toraja Christian University, the right amount of compost can increase crop yields by up to 20%. 

3. Reduces Pest Growth

Compost helps create a healthier soil environment by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

These microorganisms help suppress pests that cause plant diseases, leading to stronger and more resilient crops.

4. Fertilize the Soil 

Regular use of compost improves soil structure, making it looser and enriching the organic matter.

Compost also improves the soil’s water absorbance and retaining ability, helping plants thrive even during dry seasons.

Compost Material from Household Waste

Making compost at home doesn’t require rare or hard-to-find ingredients. Everyday household waste can be transformed into high-quality compost.

By understanding which types of waste you can turn into compost, managing household waste wisely becomes an easy practice. Here are some of the materials you can use:

1. Eggshells 

Rich in calcium, eggshells provide essential nutrients for plant growth. Their hard texture also helps improve soil structure by enhancing porosity.

2. Coffee or Tea Grounds

Coffee and tea grounds contain high levels of nitrogen, which supports healthy plant growth. They also improve soil structure by increasing its organic matter content.

3. Wilted Fruits and Vegetables 

Spoiled or wilted fruits and vegetables are a valuable source of carbon and nitrogen. As they decompose, they enrich the compost with essential nutrients that promote plant growth.

4. Dry Leaves

Dry leaves are a main source of carbon that helps maintain the moisture balance in compost. When combined with other organic materials, they speed up decomposition and improve compost quality.

5. Peanut Shells

Peanut shells are a fibrous, compostable material, though they take longer to decompose.

They contribute to long-term soil structure improvement and also contain essential microelements like magnesium and phosphorus.

Read also: Here’s How Moms Can Help Save the Earth from the Climate Crisis 

Tools for Composting at Home

In addition to the right materials, composting requires a few essential tools to ensure the process. Here are some tools to help you get started with composting at home:

1. Gloves 

Gloves help keep your hands clean when handling decomposing organic materials. They also protect against dirt and any sharp objects that may be present in the compost.

2. Shovel

A shovel helps mix compost materials, ensuring even decomposition. Regular mixing allows air to circulate evenly, helping beneficial bacteria break down the materials more effectively.

3. Airtight Container

A tightly sealed container keeps compost contained, preventing insect infestations and unpleasant odors. It also helps regulate moisture levels, ensuring the compost doesn’t become too dry or too wet.

Read also: 9 Environmental Care Activity Ideas for Sustainable Nature 

That wraps up our discussion on the benefits of compost, essential tools, and suitable materials for composting. You can easily turn kitchen and garden waste into homemade fertilizer!

Recycling organic waste into compost not only supports a healthier environment but also contributes to sustainability. The compost produced can serve as an alternative fertilizer for farmers, helping them become more productive and economically stable.

Interested in environmental conservation? Join Indonesia Asri! This pro-environment campaign goes beyond composting—we’re actively working to preserve nature through hands-on initiatives and comprehensive public education.

One of our environmental conservation efforts is Operasi Semut, an initiative to educate about proper waste sorting before disposal. Through this program, you’ll learn to identify different types of waste and discover their economic value.

This initiative is part of Chandra Asri Group’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability.

In addition to Operasi Semut, Indonesia Asri offers many exciting activities—including the exciting #SiPalingSustainable challenge!

As part of this initiative, we hold many challenges to support a sustainable lifestyle. By participating in these challenges, you will also have the chance to win amazing prizes!

Interested in becoming a Warga Asri? Sign up now and take an active role in creating a more sustainable planet. Visit our website for more details. Let’s work together to protect the environment for a greener future!

Read also: Is Throwing Waste in the Bin Enough to Solve the Trash Problem?