Definition of compost:
Organic matter of plant and/or animal origin managed to promote aerobic decomposition and
an increase in temperature to enhance its physical and nutritive properties as a soil amendment while minimizing pathogenic
organisms. Compost must achieve a minimum temperature of at least 131 degrees Fahrenheit (55 Centigrade) and remain there
for a minimum of 3 days.
... compost
... improves soil organic matter while not contributing to the contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients,
pathogenic and parasitic organisms, heavy metals or residues of prohibited substances ....
From the National Organic
Standards Board Compost Task Force Recommendation, April 18, 2002.
