Do you know the difference between compost and other natural soil amendments? They're not interchangeable.

1. Understanding the difference between compost
and other natural soil products
Compost, manure, topsoil, mulch & peat

2. Compost – what is it?
Compost is an organic soil amendment
made from a controlled aerobic (with
air) process that mimics natural
biodegradation. This process breaks
down waste that was once plant and
animal matter so it can be recycled
back to the soil to “close the loop.”
A quality compost is dark, finely and
evenly textured, chock-full of macro
and micronutrients, teeming with
beneficial microbes ... and smells like
good, rich soil.Compost

3. Compost is not manure
Manure is raw, untreated excrement,
sometimes combined with liquid waste
(effluent) or mixed with straw or other animal
bedding materials.
Though raw manure typically offers a higher
nitrogen content than compost, this causes
odors both during and after application. In
addition, raw manure can be contaminated
with parasites and pathogens that are killed
off during composting.
For these reasons, raw manure is unsuitable
for most non-farm uses.Manure

4. Compost is not topsoil
Topsoil is sandwiched between a thin layer of
decaying organic matter at the surface and the
subsoil below. It’s where those all-important
microbes live and root systems grow. Topsoil
consists of air, water, organic matter and
minerals. Depth varies from a few inches to
several feet, but 5 to 10 inches is typical.
Compost is a concentrate and should not be
used as a topsoil or soil substitute. But it can
be mixed with native soil on site or blended
with sand, soil, and other suitable media to
manufacture an enriched topsoil.
Topsoil

5. Compost is not mulch
Mulch is a coarse layer of synthetic or
natural material added to the top of the
soil to help retain moisture, discourage
weeds, keep roots cool, and add to the
visual appeal of planted areas.
In a home garden, compost can be used
instead of mulch. Earthworms will till the
compost in over time to enrich the soil.
However, it can take several inches of
compost to act as an effective mulch
substitute, which is not (usually) cost-
effective for use in a commercial setting.
Mulch

6. Compost is not peat moss
Peat moss is a plant that contributes to the
formation of peat, a natural product of
decaying organic matter, mined from bogs.
But like oil and coal, it takes nature a long
time to make peat, so it is considered a
fossil fuel or slow-renewable resource.
Fortunately, compost is a renewable
resource. It makes an excellent substitute
for and is generally cheaper than peat.
Compost can be substituted 1:1 for peat in
soil and container mixes.
Peat

7. One product | Many benefits | Superior results
COMPOST WORKS

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compost and healthy soil
here.
Production costs for this title were underwritten by
McGill. Its use is permitted for educational purposes if
presented in its entirety and without editing or other
alteration. ©McGill Environmental Systems of N.C. Inc.
Questions? Call McGill HQ at 919-362-1161 or use a
contact form at www.mcgillcompost.com.