Key Benefits of Composting Manure:
- Enhances soil health and fertility.
- Provides better organic matter storage options.
- Reduces manure volume for easier handling.
- Offers greater flexibility for field application compared to raw manure.
- More effective in controlling odors and flies than other manure handling methods.
- Improves efficiency and consistency when applied to fields.
- Addresses concerns about water quality and soil amendment costs.
- Reduces weight and volume while stabilizing manure nutrients.
- Eliminates weed seeds and minimizes ammonia loss.
- Marketable as a value-added product for residential and horticultural applications.
- Helps farms comply with nutrient management regulations by selling compost off-farm.
The Composting Process:
- A biological process where aerobic microorganisms break down manure and bedding.
- Requires a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio (ideal range: 25-30:1, acceptable range: 20-40:1).
- Moisture content should be 50-60% (acceptable range: 40-65%).
- Well-bedded manure typically falls within these parameters.
Balancing Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratios:
- Manure is often too high in nitrogen and moisture, requiring carbon-rich additives.
- Common carbon-rich materials:
- Straw
- Corn stover
- Wood chips or sawdust
- Leaves
Average C:N Ratios for Different Livestock Manure:
- Chicken: 10:1 – 15:1
- Cow: 18:1 – 25:1
- Pig: 10:1 – 20:1
- Horse: 20:1 – 25:1
- Goat: 15:1 – 25:1
- Sheep: 15:1 – 25:1
Managing the Composting Process:
- Aerobic organisms break down nitrogen and carbon, producing heat and organic matter.
- Turning the pile is essential to:
- Release excess heat.
- Replenish oxygen.
- Maintain microbial activity.
- Turning methods include:
- Windrow turners (specialized equipment).
- Tractors or end loaders with buckets.
Composting Timeframe:
- Typically takes 4-8 months, plus 2-12 months for curing.
- Fully decomposed compost is soil-like and stable.
- If composting isn’t complete before winter, partially composted manure can still be spread in the fall.
- Material volume is reduced by about 30%, making transport and application easier.
Advantages of Applying Composted Manure:
- Easier spreading on hayfields and pastures.
- Reduced odor and fly problems.
- More uniform nutrient distribution, reducing runoff and improving soil fertility.
- Increased grazing efficiency—animals are more likely to graze after compost is spread.
Conclusion:
Composting manure is a sustainable and efficient manure management strategy. By maintaining the proper balance of carbon and nitrogen, ensuring adequate moisture and oxygen, and allowing for proper decomposition, farms can create high-quality compost that benefits soil health and provides an opportunity for off-farm sales. As nutrient management regulations tighten, composting offers a practical and profitable solution for livestock producers.
