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[[Image:Compost_as_soil_conditioner.PNG|thumb|right|150px|[[Compost as soil conditioner |Compost as soil conditioner]], in Malawi (for credits, click the picture)]]
'''Decomposed excreta is rich in nutrients (NPK nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) and organic material. The organic material in compost acts as soil conditioner. It also improves the structure and water holding capacity of sandy soils and adds structure and permeability to clay soils. Composted excreta, on its own or combined with other biodegradable material, enhances the fertility of topsoil.''' Composting is the term used to describe the controlled aerobic degradation of organics into a soil-like substance called compost. ‘EcoHumus’ is a term taken from Peter Morgan (see references) and is a more appropriate word to use for the material removed from a Fossa Alterna because it is produced passively underground and has a slightly different composition.'''
The process of thermophilic composting generates heat (50 to 80°C) which kills the majority of pathogens present. For the composting process to occur there must be adequate carbon, nitrogen, moisture, and air. The [[Fossa Alterna]] and [[Fill and Cover - Arborloo|Arborloo]] are ambient temperature variations of high-temperature composting. In these technologies, there is almost no temperature rise because vegetable matter is lacking. For that reason, the end material is not actually ‘compost’ and is therefore referred to as ‘EcoHumus’.
Compost/EcoHumus can be used beneficially to improve the quality of soils by adding nutrients and organics and improving the soil’s ability to store air and water. The texture and quality of the EcoHumus depends on the materials, which have been added to the excreta (especially the type of soil).
{{procontable | pro=
- Potential income generation (improved yield and productivity of plants). <br> - Low risk of pathogen transmission. <br> - Can improve soil conditions such as the structure and water-holding capacity of soil. <br>Compost reduces the need for artificial fertilizer. <br> - Simple technique for all users. <br> - Low cost. | con=- Requires a year or more of maturation. <br> - Does not replace fertilizer (N, P, K).<br>-Cultural taboos could hinder use. <br>-Health precautions always need to be considered when applying compost enriched with excreta.
}}
==Adequacy==
Compost/EcoHumus can be mixed into the soil before crops are planted, used to start seedlings or indoor plants or simply mixed into an existing compost pile for further treatment.
==Health Aspects/Acceptance==
A small risk of pathogen transmission exists, but if in doubt, any material removed from the pit can be composted further in a regular compost heap, or mixed with additional soil and put into a ‘tree pit’, i.e. a nutrient-filled pit used for planting a tree.
As opposed to sludge, which originates from a variety domestic, chemical and industrial sources, compost has very few chemical inputs. The only chemical sources that could contaminate compost might originate from contaminated organic material (e.g. pesticides) or from chemicals that are excreted by humans (e.g. medication). Compared to the cleaning, pharmaceutical and processing chemicals that may find their way into sludge, compost can be considered as a less contaminated product.
==Maintenance==
The material must be allowed to mature adequately before it is removed from the system and then it can be used without further treatment.
==External Links==
* General information about Compost as soil conditioner [http://www.ecosanres.org www.ecosanres.org]
==References==
* Elizabeth Tilley et.al (2008). [http://www.eawag.ch/organisation/abteilungen/sandec/publikationen/publications_sesp/downloads_sesp/compendium_high.pdf Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies] ([http://www.eawag.ch/organisation/abteilungen/sandec/publikationen/publications_sesp/downloads_sesp/compendium_low.pdf low res version]). Department of Water and Sanitation in Development Countries ([http://www.sandec.ch/ Sandec]) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag). (Provides a full overview of sanitation systems.)