The best use of compost for the homeowner is as a soil amendment. To increase the organic matter content of soils for lawn or garden establishment, an application of 1/2 to 1 cubic yard of compost (about a 2-inch deep layer) should be incorporated into 1,000 square feet of soil. Compost can be added to established lawns and gardens if applied in the spring and fall. A 1/4-1/2 inch application of compost is an adequate topdress for lawns. The nutritional value of compost depends upon the proportions of grass to carbon source. For example, compost having a higher proportion of turfgrass clippings than tree leaves will provide more plant-available nitrogen and phosphorus.