Composting is a natural and cultural practice that benefits both ecosystems and humans. Healthy compost is efficient in decomposing organic material and contributes to the health of plants. However, compost can also carry dormant plant pathogens that cause disease. Different types of pathogens, such as oomycetes, viruses, fungi, and bacteria, have various survival strategies and may or may not be affected by composting. Anaerobic soil disinfestation can help control some pathogens. It is important to troubleshoot and research specific pathogens to determine the best composting practices.
