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Composting: Creating High-Value Soil Amendments
Composting is another effective manure management strategy that transforms raw manure into a stable, nutrient-dense soil amendment. Compared to anaerobic digestion, composting is a more financially accessible option for many farmers, as it requires lower upfront investment and minimal infrastructure. Manure composting involves aerobic decomposition, requiring oxygen, moisture and proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratios to create high-quality compost.
Benefits of Composting
Ŋ Soil Enrichment: Improves soil structure, enhances microbial activity and boosts plant growth.
Ŋ Pathogen Reduction: Eliminates harmful bacteria and parasites present in raw manure.
Ŋ Carbon Sequestration: Stabilizes organic matter, helping to sequester carbon in the soil.
Ŋ Waste Reduction: Converts manure into compost reduces the volume of waste, making storage and application more manageable.
Best Practices for Composting
The first step to setting up your manure composting system is selecting a well-drained site that is easily accessible year-round and located away from water sources to prevent contamination.
Once the site has been selected, farmers should begin by laying down a base layer of carbon-rich materials such as straw, wood chips or dry leaves to help with aeration and moisture control. Next, layers of manure should be alternated with additional carbon materials to create a balanced compost pile.
Ensuring a proper balance of nitrogen-rich manure and carbon-rich materials is essential for effective decomposition. Turning the piles regularly helps introduce oxygen, speeding up the decomposition process while minimizing odor and pathogens. Monitoring moisture levels and maintaining optimal temperatures ensures that the compost matures into a stable, nutrient-rich amendment for soil application.
20 | 515-574-2203 | 515-574-2189 | March 2025