laurel, walnut, juniper, and cypress.- Plants that may be too acidic or contain substances that
interfere with the decomposition process, such as pine
needles, which are extremely acidic and contain a
form of kerosene. (However, special compost piles are
often made of acidic materials, such as pine needles
and leaves. This compost will lower the soil’s pH and
stimulate acid-loving plants, like strawberries.) - Ivy and succulents, which may not be killed in the heat
of the decomposition process and can regrow when
the compost is placed in a planting bed. - Pernicious weeds, such as wild morning glory and
Bermuda grass, which will probably not be killed in
the decomposition process and will choke out other
plants when they resprout after the compost is placed
in a planting. - Cat and dog manures, which can contain pathogens
harmful to infants. These pathogens are not always
killed in the heat of the compost pile.
Note: In order to maintain good soil fertility, approximately 4% to 6% (by weight)
organic matter is needed in temperate soils. About 3% is desirable in tropical soils. It
is noteworthy that the soil organic matter level used to be measured 11 inches deep
many years ago. Later, the measurement level was reduced to 6 2 ⁄^3 inches. Today, it
has been further reduced to less than 6 inches deep.Plants infected with disease or insects and pernicious
weeds should be burned to be destroyed properly. Their