The composting process converts organic wastes such as food scraps, yard waste, and municipal biosolids into a stable, nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. Microorganisms break down organic matter and produce carbon dioxide, water, heat, and, at the end of the composting process, humus-the stable organic end product. The composting process destroys pathogens and weed seeds, reduces the bulk volume of organic materials, and creates an odour-free finished product that will enhance soil fertility, stability, and health. The composting process involves a careful interplay between a number of factors which include particle size, moisture content, oxygen flow, temperature, and feedstock and nutrient balance.

What are the Benefits of Composting?

Helping to reduce waste and combat climate change.
Composting reduces waste by diverting organics from the landfill and beneficially reusing them to produce a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Compost production can also help fight climate change. When organic waste is landfilled, it creates methane, a greenhouse gas at least 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. By diverting organic waste from landfills and composting it instead, we can directly and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Improving soil health.
When used as a soil amendment, compost provides nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as micronutrients such as boron and copper which are essential for plant growth. These nutrients are released from the compost slowly over time. Compost promotes healthy root growth and protects plants from diseases and pests. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides.

Helping with erosion control.
Soils amended with compost have improved moisture holding capacity which reduces runoff pollution and helps with water conservation. Compost also helps to bind soils together, thereby further reducing the risk of erosion.

About NutriGrow’s Ingerbelle Compost Facility
NutriGrow produces Class A compost at their Ingerbelle Compost Facility located approximately 16 km from Princeton, BC. The facility processes organic matter including residential and commercial food waste, garden and yard waste, and municipal biosolids and produces Class A compost to be distributed to various commercial applications.

About NutriGrow
NutriGrow is Western Canada’s largest manufacturer and bulk distributor of amended soils, composts, and mulches. NutriGrow has been manufacturing premium products since 2010. Rich in colour and nutrients, NutriGrow’s products are improving soil health, stability, and productivity across British Columbia. For more information, visit nutrigrow.ca.