Composting Animal Manures: A Guide to the Process
Animal manure is an excellent source of nutrients for plants. However, raw manure can contain pathogens, weed seeds, and odors that can make it difficult to handle and apply. Composting animal manure is an effective way to transform it into a valuable resource that can be used to improve soil health and plant growth. Here is a guide to the manure composting process and how to effectively use manure treatment for better results.
Benefits of Composting
Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting animal manure has several benefits, including:
Improved Soil Health: Composted animal manure provides valuable nutrients, organic matter, and beneficial microorganisms that improve soil health, structure, and water-holding capacity.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Composting animal manure can reduce the environmental impact of animal waste by decreasing odor and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as minimizing the risk of nutrient runoff and contamination of surface and groundwater.
Cost-Effective: Composting animal manure can be a cost-effective way to manage waste by reducing the volume and weight of manure, as well as eliminating the need for expensive storage and disposal.
Composting Kills Pathogens
Animal manure can contain harmful pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, which can cause serious illness in humans and animals. Composting is a natural process that can kill these pathogens through a combination of heat and microbial activity.
To ensure that composting is effective in killing pathogens, it is essential to monitor the temperature of the compost pile. The ideal temperature range for composting is between 131°F to 150°F (55°C to 65°C). At these temperatures, most pathogens are killed within a few days, and the compost can be considered safe to use.
Composting and Applying Livestock Compost vs. Hauling Raw Manure
Composting animal manure provides several advantages over hauling raw manure, including:
Reduced Odor and Aesthetics: Composting animal manure can significantly reduce odor and improve the aesthetics of the farm by eliminating piles of raw manure.
Increased Nutrient Value: Composting animal manure increases the nutrient value of the compost by breaking down organic matter and making the nutrients more available to plants.
Reduced Weed Seeds: Composting animal manure can reduce the number of weed seeds in the compost, which can help prevent weed growth in the garden.
Easier Application: Livestock compost is easier to apply than raw manure because it is less bulky and can be spread more evenly.
The Process for Composting Manure
Composting animal manure is a straightforward process that involves a few key steps:
Collect and Store the Manure: Collect the animal manure and store it in a dry, covered area until there is enough to start a compost pile. If the manure is wet, it is essential to add dry materials such as straw, sawdust, or leaves to the pile to balance the moisture content.
Build the Compost Pile: Choose a location for the compost pile that is well-draining and has good air circulation. The pile should be at least 3 feet high and 3 feet wide to generate enough heat for effective composting. Layer the manure with dry materials such as straw or leaves, and add water to moisten the pile. It is essential to ensure that the pile is moist, but not too wet.
Monitor the Temperature: The temperature of the compost pile is critical for effective composting. Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature of the pile regularly. The ideal temperature range is between 131°F to 150°F (55°C to 65°C). If the temperature drops below this range, turn the pile to aerate it and add more dry materials to balance the moisture content.
Turn the Pile: Aerate the compost pile by turning it with a pitchfork or a compost turner. Turning the pile helps to distribute oxygen and heat throughout the pile, ensuring that all the organic matter is composted evenly. Turn the pile every few days for the first week, then every week or two thereafter, depending on the temperature and moisture content.
Harvest the Compost: The compost is ready when it is dark brown, crumbly, and has no odor. This process can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months, depending on the composting conditions. Use the finished compost to amend garden soil, top dress plants, or as a potting mix.
Water Management When Composting Manure
Water management is an essential aspect of composting animal manure. The compost pile needs to be moist, but not too wet, to ensure that the composting process is effective. Here are some tips for managing water when composting manure:
Monitor Moisture Levels: Use a moisture meter or squeeze a handful of compost to check the moisture content. If the compost is too wet, add dry materials such as straw or leaves to absorb excess moisture. If the compost is too dry, add water to moisten the pile.
Cover the Compost Pile: Covering the compost pile with a tarp or plastic sheet can help prevent excess moisture from rain or snow. However, it is essential to ensure that the pile has enough air circulation to allow for aerobic composting.
Add Water When Turning the Pile: When turning the compost pile, add water if necessary to ensure that the pile is moist. The water will help distribute heat and oxygen throughout the pile, promoting the composting process.
Use Compost Tea: Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water. Compost tea can be used to water plants, providing them with a nutrient-rich source of water while also helping to manage moisture levels in the compost pile.
Use Manure Treatment from Healthy Farms to Reduce Sludge, Crusting, Foaming, and Odor
Using manure treatment products from Healthy Farms can be an effective way to reduce sludge, crusting, foaming, and odor in animal manure. Our AgraSphere® is a safe and effective microbial additive that helps to break down organic matter and reduce odor in animal manure. By introducing beneficial microorganisms, AgraSphere® can help to increase the rate of decomposition and reduce the amount of sludge and crust that forms on the surface of the manure.
Shop for AgraSphere® and manure treatment online at Healthy Farms and learn more about our products.