The European Compost Network has published two new factsheets on ‘Soil Structure & Carbon Storage’ and on ‘Soil Fertility & Productivity’ in its publication edition on the ‘Sustainable Use of Compost and digestate’.
Soil Structure & Carbon Storage
This factsheet puts the focus on the benefit of regular application of compost in respect to the sequestration of high amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Amongst other positive aspects of compost application which are highligthed in this paper the enrichment of soil-organic matter leads to improved soil structure and a higher level of soil microbiological activity. An estimation about Europe's potential for C-sequestration by recycling of bio-waste to high-quality compost illustrates the importance of this resource.
Soil Fertility & Productivity
The rising of the nutrient level is emphasized in the second factsheet. High-qualitity compost from bio-waste is described as a valuable resource for nutrients and has many other positive effects on soils. In this paper Europe's potential of fertiliser value derived by high-quality compost from bio-waste (in Euro) is estimated and shows the positive economic aspect by these figures.
Besides the links below, the factsheets are available for download in the 'publication' section on the ECN website and on the website of the S.O.S - Save organics in Soil-Initiative (Section: Documents).
Factsheet 1: Soil Structure and Carbon Storage can be accessed here.
Factsheet 2: Soil Fertility and Productivity can be accessed here.