Stipula is a scale, or small leaf, stationed on each fide the base of the. petioles, or peduncles, when they are first appearing; as in papilionaceous flowers, &c. See fig. 5. b.
Compost is the end product resulting from the controlled biological decomposition of organic material from a feedstock into a stable, humus-like product that has many environmental benefits. Composting is a natural process that is managed to optimize the conditions for decomposing microbes to thrive.
Many farmers are finding that composting animal and crop wastes is a useful tool for managing materials and nutrients, and reducing pollution from run-off. Using compost improves soil quality and health because it adds stable organic matter to the land which: * improves moisture retention * promotes plant establishment, * suppresses soil-borne diseases,