Compost Benefits and Drawbacks in Soil Health

Compost is a natural product formed by aerobic microbial decomposition of organic waste, enhancing soil health through increased organic matter, improved water retention, and enhanced nutrient availability. It boosts microbial diversity—bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protozoa—particularly in vermicompost, supporting disease suppression via competition, antimicrobial compounds, and improved soil structure. Microbial activity, measurable via FDA assays (yellow intensity indicates higher activity), strengthens plant-soil resilience against drought, contamination, and compaction. Supported by the EU’s Horizon 2020 project (grant no. 817696).