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[[Image:Compost_as_soil_conditionerIcon_application_of_compost_eco_humus.PNG|thumbpng |right|150px|[[Compost as soil conditioner |Compost as soil conditioner]], in Malawi (for credits, click the picture)95px]]
'''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.
[[Image:Compost_as_soil_conditioner.PNG|thumb|right|150px|[[Compost as soil conditioner |Compost as soil conditioner]], in Malawi (for credits, click the picture)]]
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’.