Harnessing the Power of Compost for Natural Pest Control
“Each year, invasive insects and plant diseases cause an estimated $40 billion in damages to plants that sustain use,” said Tom Vilsack, Agriculture Secretary. “Invasive species threaten our food security, agricultural livelihoods, and way of life,” Vilsack added. Those who maintain a personal garden, methods such as landscaping techniques can work to discourage pests, though additional methods can complement such efforts in an eco-friendly and efficient way. Naturally created compost is just one viable option that can help stave off pests and provide a healthier environment for plants to thrive, and it can underline a variety of unique advantages along the way.
The role of compost
Bees, butterflies, and even spiders can play an important role in a healthy garden. However, there are a variety of pests that can have a negative impact, each of which have their own effects on a range of plants. One HGTV article details several — Japanese beetles, for instance, chew and even attack plants like the purple coneflower, while the codling moth results in maggots in apples. Weed management, physical barriers, and even traps (such as pheromone traps for codling moths) all serve as pest management solutions, though it’s necessary to recognize that compost can play a role as well. While natural compost isn’t a foolproof method of pest prevention, it can boost pest prevention in unique ways.
The US Composting Council highlights several advantages that come along with the proper use of compost. For example, it’s noted that compost promotes healthier plant growth. This is achieved through balanced soil density, as well as the addition and retention of nutrients that are valuable to plant growth. Compost can also act as a sponge for water, and help balance soil pH. The US Composting Council explains that compost enriches the soil through a boost in cation exchange capacity (CEC), then delivering food to the plants via nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. “Although concentrations of nutrients found in compost are typically not high in comparison to chemical fertilizer products, compost is usually applied at much greater rates, and therefore, can represent a significant cumulative quality.”
An in-depth exploration of compost benefits
The US Composting Council points out that compost can provide resistance to pests and insects as well as suppress disease. This is primarily due to the fact that natural compost serves to provide a healthier overall ecosystem for plants (such as through the maintenance of balanced nutrients), which can make them less vulnerable to pests and diseases. The use of compost can also discourage disease and weeds in addition to pests. One study published in the journal Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment in 2004 details research in relation to the effect of compost application on weed, fungal, and insect pest management in apple orchards, which was investigated from 1999 to 2001. According to the abstract, the compost worked to provide weed control for one year after it’s application, and while there was no effect of compost on apple scab infection, the growth of brown rot fungus was “significantly slower on a compost substrate than a sterilized compost substrate.” It’s further noted that the compost had a significant impact on arthropod abundance throughout the two years after the application, which resulted in more predators and fewer herbivores in the compost treated plots.
The creation of a garden that thrives
It’s essential to take into account that while compost can be great for your garden, there are methods that can help improve the compost’s efficacy even further. For example, it’s essential to note that the nutrient content of compost can vary widely, so it’s important to be aware of what you plan to use in order to get the most benefits. Timing is also a crucial factor — The Spruce notes that the use of compost at the wrong time can actually be harmful for plants, such as when it’s used too early, or if too much is used. It’s also important to realize when the compost is actually ready for use — The Spruce points out that mature compost boasts a “rich dark brown, almost black color,” and has an earthy odor. As a result, mature compost should be used at the right time. “Fully matured compost can be used any time in the spring, summer, or fall.” On the flip side, compost that isn’t fully matured should be used in the fall as the microorganisms will need nitrogen in order to work properly.
Compost can be utilized in conjunction with other landscape techniques in order to improve the lifespan of plants such as shrubs and plants. Preventative techniques are key in pest management — pruning, for example, involves frequent formal shearing or seasonal rejuvenation. While formal shearing consists of the shaping or shearing of shrubs on a routine basis throughout the growing season, seasonal rejuvenation involves pruning shrubs and plants based on the individual species. It’s important to note that shearing can be harmful to the lifespan and long term health of your shrubs, though seasonal rejuvenation pruning can be beneficial for a few key reasons. For instance, the method involved with seasonal pruning follows the natural growth pattern of the plant, which provides light and air to every part (as well as the plant’s interior). As a result, this can minimize the risk of disease.
Compost presents a unique way for gardeners to keep pests at bay, and can complement other initiatives in order to provide well-rounded pest prevention. Through the cultivation of a healthy ecosystem, naturally created compost can effectively enhance soil and therefore better prepare plants to stave off disease and pests, though there are important considerations (like timing) to keep in mind.