All soils can be improved with the addition of compost. One easy way to apply compost is to mulch with it. Spread the compost in a thick layer on top of exposed soil. Worms and other creatures will help the compost meld with the soil.
Compost can be added to existing soil. I prefer to layer it on top (using a no-dig method) so that I don't disturb the soil.
For best results, aerate your lawn before applying the compost. Apply 1 to 2 1/2 inches of compost to surface and till well into the top 6 inches of soil.
If your topsoil and compost aren't already mixed together, dump in a layer of topsoil, then compost, then topsoil, then compost, etc. That way, the compost and soil are evenly distributed without your actually having to mix them.
A well-dressed lawn or landscape will include layers of different materials that create an ideal environment for healthy growth. First is the topsoil, then the compost and, finally, a mulch to blanket it all. Topsoil is the layer of humus (partially decomposed organic matter) between the surface and the subsoil.
Add compost to soil before you install landscape plants. Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost over the area you intend to plant. Mix the compost into the soil as deeply as possible. Then install new plants into the amended soil.
Compost keeps the soil healthy, which means plants will likely thrive in your garden without any auditions. The downside is that compost releases nutrients slowly over time, while chemical fertilizer provides a boost and accelerates growth in a short period.
Some gardeners say that compost is all anyone needs, as it contains microbes that encourage healthy plant growth. Others prefer to use fertilizer to supply plants with specific nutrients that may be lacking in the soil. Often, however, the best solution is to use both.
The organisms that break down the organic materials require large quantities of nitrogen. So, adding nitrogen fertilizer, or other materials that supply nitrogen, is necessary for rapid and thorough decomposition.
Turning once a week or once every two weeks had generally lower decomposition rates. To maintain a thermophilic pile (pile with high heat), it should be turned every three to four days, or when the temperature drops below 104 F. However, if most of the material has been decomposed, less frequent turning is adequate.
You can use topsoil, potting soil, or even compost. Avoid using sand, as it won't pack well and can wash away easily. Once enough soil is added to fill the hole, use a tamper or your foot to compress it. It will help prevent the hole from sinking or caving in later.
Pros of direct composting:
There's no turning of the compost required. Once you've buried the scraps and brown material, your work is done. You also don't have to move the finished compost. Where it's buried is where it will do its soil enriching magic.
Top dressing a lawn with compost is the best way to provide the long-lasting, slow-release nutrients that encourage optimum turf grass growth.
Compost contains the primary nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium — and an array of micronutrients to naturally feed a lawn. But there are many other benefits as well. Topdressing a lawn with compost adds organic matter to the soil, which provides for proper drainage and better tilth.
Add Green Material
It includes kitchen scraps such as coffee grounds, peelings, fruit cores, uneaten leftovers, and eggshells. Any kitchen waste that is not greasy or meat can be composted. Grass clippings, leaves, and weeds are also considered green materials, as is manure from barnyard animals (but not cats or dogs).
When selecting a manure for your lawn, compost manure is usually the one homeowners use the most. The reason being is this type of manure is more readily available and can be made within factories more easily. It is not very common to find manure in fertilizer, but manure can be used as a fertilizer.
Compost is rich in organic matter and essential nutrients for plants, such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Adding too much compost can also increase the concentration of these nutrients in the soil, making it too strong, burning the roots and stem base of the plants.
Enriches the Soil
In addition, compost both improves soil's ability to hold nutrients and delivers much-needed nutrients. It improves nutrient retention by increasing the soil's cation exchange capacity (CEC) and then it delivers needed food for the plants in the form of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
As a soil improver/conditioner to dig into the soil: only use materials that are well-rotted (i.e. composted) to avoid depleting nitrogen from the soil. Examples include garden compost, composted green waste, composted bark, leafmould, well-rotted manure.
A compost pile needs to be kept moist but not waterlogged. A 50% moisture level is the ideal average to aim for. What is this? As compost piles are exposed to the elements, keeping their moisture at the coveted damp, not soggy level can be tricky.
Decomposition will be complete anywhere from two weeks to two years depending on the materials used, the size of the pile, and how often it is turned. Compost is ready when it has cooled, turned a rich brown color, and has decomposed into small soil-like particles.
The general rule of thumb is to spread mulch about two to four inches thick over the soil surface. When mulch is too thick, it can be counterproductive and prevent water from reaching the soil. On the flip side, too thin a layer of mulch may not adequately stop weed growth or prevent evaporation as intended.
When should you topdress your lawn? If you are wanting to apply a nutrient soil mix, anytime during the year is fine. For fixing indentations, the best time is within the growing season – from the beginning of Spring to a few months before Winter sets in.