Why
is compost made using Advanced Composting System (ACS) methods superior
to that produced by other methods?
ACS compost
excels for several reasons:
1. It is a controlled
process from beginning to end; organic
matter can decompose in either a beneficial or detrimental manner;
the ACS controls the process to direct the results toward benefit.
2. Countless proven beneficial microorganisms
are introduced evenly into the windrow
to aid both the breakdown and build-up phases of the process.
3. Because it is an aerobic
process which creates an optimal environment for aerobic
microbes to flourish.
4. Daily testing insures that optimal ranges for moisture,
temperature, and oxygen/carbon dioxide are maintained throughout
the process.
5. Use of "Moisture
Guard" fabric cover makes it possible to develop
quality compost even in poor weather conditions.
6. ACS compost meets composting's biggest challenges: consistency
and predictability.
7. Compost quality is measured not merely by government standards
of what's not in it, but what benefit
it will have to the soil and plant.
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Does
ACS compost reduce insect pressure on plants?
Yes.
Insects look for subclinically ill plants. Healthy plants, due to
their higher sugar and nutrient content (revealed through a Brix
Test), are not appealing to them, so they move on. Bugs land on
a plant, test it to see if it will provide the food it needs, and
then either stay and devour or move on. A healthy plant
in a healthy soil develops antibodies and chemicals which shun the
critters. A healthy plant's make-up causes bugs to become
ill and leave. As a consequence of changing the genetic structure
of some plants, scientists have made them insect-prone.
Healthy
plants will typically have a Brix reading of 13-14, while plants
appealing to insects will have a reading in the 5-6 range.
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What
are the benefits of ACS compost to the soil?
There
are many. As a simple reminder, we like to use the acronym "DIP
'N' CHEW"
D isease
suppression — ACS compost has a healing effect on plants and
a cleansing action on soils.
I ncreases
plant yield
P orosity
increased in the soil-has more air voids than typical soils.
N utrient
retention — magnetic charge from high CEC holds nutrients
longer.
C ompaction
reduction — it makes soil spongy and enables it to spring
back.
H elps reduce
dependence on chemicals — promotes healthier plants.
E rosion
reduced-disperses the force of raindrops.
W ater
retention increased — like a sponge holding water.
Beyond these,
high quality compost:
- Increases
soil fertility and soil digestion
- Increases
microbial activity and organic matter content of soil
- Provides
high humus levels
- Suppresses
weed growth
- Alters soil
to have a positive effect against insects and pests
- Improves
buffering capacity (neutralizes
pH in the soil)
- Neutralizes
harmful compounds
- Converts
and stores excess nutrients in a plant-friendly manner
- Reduces
leaching
- Infiltration
of water is improved
What
role does clay play in ACS compost?
Sub-soil
or clay has many beneficial properties for producing high quality
compost as well as improving material management. Normally, 10%
clay (by volume) in the windrow recipe is ideal. Its benefits include:
1. Contributing
to odor control
2. Aiding in moisture management
3. More nutrients are captured and fewer lost to the atmosphere.
More nutrients are bonded in active carbon chains, available to
the plant.
4. Clay is negatively charged. Loose molecules from microbe decomposition
of the feedstocks will be drawn to the clay.
5. Acting as a pH buffer, thereby
increasing microbe activity
6. Providing a foundation for the humus crumb
7. Less volume shrinkage
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