Innovative Uses of Compost Reforestation, Wetlands Restoration, and Habitat Revitalization

Abstract

The native plants that inhabit America’s countrysides—from the sunflowers on the Great Plains to the oak seedlings in the Appalachians—are a source of great beauty. But the plants within a habitat contribute much more to their surroundings than mere beauty. They provide a vital food source for many members of the habitat. They enrich the air through the gases they produce and minerals they exchange. Even when plants die, they continue to support grasses, flowers, and trees by becoming part of the humus, or organic material in soil, that is so vital to living plants. Unfortunately, much of the organic material in the soils in the United States has been stripped by natural and man-made stresses such as erosion, flooding, and logging. But barren soils can be restored with the help of compost. Compost adds the missing infrastructure, humus, and nutrients that plants need to re-establish themselves in decimated areas. Organic matter in the soils of wetlands in the United States has decreased steadily over the last three centuries. According to Dr. Donald Hey, an expert in flood plain management, over 100 million acres of U.S. wetlands have been drained, and our watersheds now contain only about half the amount of organic matter they contained in the 17th century. As a result, annual floods have worsened, ground water quality has deteriorated, and wildlife diversity has declined. Compost, with its high organic content, can absorb up to four times its weight in water and can replace essential organic material in wetlands. In addition to wetlands restoration, compost also can help restore forests and revitalize habitats. Compost can play an important part in reforestation efforts by providing an excellent growing medium for young seedlings. In the same way, compost can help to revegetate barren habitats, providing the necessary sustenance for native wildlife populations. By enhancing the chemical and mineral properties of soil, compost facilitates native plant growth, which provides food for native and endangered animal populations.