In the world of composting, experts worldwide agree that The Soil Food Web (soilfoodweb.com) is the world’s leading authority in the field of compost research, testing, and grading of compost. Founded by noted researcher Dr. Elaine Ingham, the Soil Food Web has a network of laboratories around the world and is a leading advocate of sustainable agriculture.
Only a few consultants are endorsed by and associated with the Soil Food web, one of which is Ms. Jennifer Appel. When interviewed about the efficacy of cotton burr compost, Ms. Appel told me that, “cotton burr compost is head and shoulders above any other compost.” Yes, that’s a big claim, so my follow- up question dealt with her reasoning for this position. Ms. Appel states that “cotton is a very heavy feeder, absorbing vast amounts of nutrients from the soil as it grows and the bulk of the nutrients are located in the burr left over from the ginning process.”
What are the three things that make cotton burr compost America’s favorite composting choice?
#1 Cotton burr compost contains a high percentage of organic matter. When you consider the fact that up to 98% of all plant of growth is generated by organic matter, you begin to understand what makes this compost a top performer. Conversely, a deficiency of organic matter will be detrimental to your plant’s growth, and its overall health will be handicapped from the very start. Here’s an important point to note: The higher the quality of the plant matter being composted, the better the compost. When you start of with material like nutrient-rich cotton burr, the resulting compost is a nutritionally-dense product that surpasses anything you’ll ever find in bulk at a retailer’s.
#2 Results of the Soil Food Web’s test data show that cotton burr compost is abundant in beneficial micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes and protozoa. These are essential microbes which secrete organic acids which, in turn, help release nutrients and other chemicals that bond soil particles into stable aggregates. This action results in prolific microbial activity that improves the overall soil structure, increases air penetration, and resists soil compaction. These necessary microbes occupy most of the leaf or root surface and are efficient at utilizing the food resources that disease-causing organisms would otherwise consume.
#3 CBC has neutral pH value. Natural anti-fungal properties make cotton burr compost a valued soil amendment for rose growers and organic gardeners.
Myth Buster! Although cotton plants are frequently treated with chemicals to defoliate the plant before harvesting, the compost remains uncontaminated. Defoliating chemicals quickly break down into inert compounds and are totally dissipated before the cotton bolls are harvested. The intensity and duration of heat generated during the composting process also kills off potential pathogens such as e-coli and weed seeds.
#4 Bonus Reason! Cotton Burr Compost is the result of recycling what was once considered ‘gin-trash’ into a valuable commodity which dramatically aids in building soil fertility. This in turn increases the nutrient content of organic produce, and also creates jobs for Americans in the Mid-South and Delta regions.
Cotton Burr compost is truly an amazing product! Use it, and you’ll be as impressed with it as I am!