Incorporating compost into soils that are disturbed or damaged by human development (such as typical construction practices) has many benefits for the overall health of the soil ecosystem including: improved water retention, increased infiltration rates, greater binding ability, pH stabilization, and micronutrient enrichment. These micro-level soil benefits in turn, lead to significant community benefits on a macro-level, such as: improved water conservation, reduced non-point source pollution (through enhanced natural management of agricultural and urban stormwater runoff), reduced erosion and stream sedimentation, and healthier plant life, reducing fertilizer and pesticide needs. As a result, many public and private entities are implementing rules and strategies that improve soil quality by using compost to ultimately reduce maintenance issues and associated costs.
