Compost is decomposed organic matter, such as crop residues and/or animal manure. Most of these ingredients can be easily found around the farm As compost breaks down, it delivers important nutrients into the soil. Compost contains the three primary nutrients plants need: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Not only does compost feed the plants that grow in this soil, but it does so using existing materials, many of which are free or byproducts of the food system already. Compost also increases the number and variety of beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil, which helps plants grow