When you go for composting animal manure, it will turn out to be more energy efficient in comparison to hauling raw manure. This kind of method can create healthy soil and after that healthy plants. Overall, such kind of compost act as a soil amendment for boosting soil health.
Table of Content
If you make your animal manure compost, it can be a homemade alternative to any other fertilizer. Thus, in this article, we will outline some composting dos and don’ts that one should keep in mind while composting animal manure.
Composting animal manure Dos
Adequate amount of moisture
The moisture level can be low if you recognize the compost is fail to get hot as it used to or just touch your compost, and it’ll feel a bit dry. In this case, dry materials are needed to be moistened. So, it is better to set compost near a water source which will easily maintain a healthier compost.
Switch to bare earth
You can build a compost heap on the ground if you got at least some space. Organisms like earthworms are required to process the compost pile and thus, nutrients will be accessible to plants. With working on bare earth, it would be easier for organisms to get into compost heap easily.
Proper air circulation
A regular tumbled or turned compost pile will allow to prevent overheating, limit compaction, and enable moisture evaporation. However, you already know adequate airflow is vital, but it can be harmful when it’s too much. Never turn your compost too often, as due to this beneficial fungi formation and actinomycetes will get disrupted.
Switch to a compost bin or tumbler
A compost tumbler or bin would be the perfect bet if you’re renting or have a small backyard. But with such bins and tumblers, it is vital to regularly turn them to get an adequate amount of airflow. Also, you must maintain regular monitoring of your animal manure compost.
Composting animal manure Don’ts
Never leave uncovered compost
When cover your compost with a wooden tarp or frame will aid to trap heat for boosting the process. Even a darkly colored tarp can be used for aiding the process keep going during winter. In case, you have an old carpet, then it would be a perfect source to cover.
Avoid large pieces
Smaller is better when someone wants to build their compost. Particularly for animal manure, the waste you’ll add just be finely shredded or chopped. If you want to speed up the process, then it is best if you’ll go for the blender to break down all the waste. Through this, your scraps will turn to the slurry and further can be added to your bin.
Avoid compost getting too wet or dry
The conditions must be right when you want to maintain a healthy animal manure compost. Use a plastic sheet for covering your compost to keep a check on your moisture and temperature level. Moisten your compost, if it turned too dry. Try to add more composting materials, if it turned too wet.
No overnight result
Just keep in mind that it would take around six months or longer if you want a finished product that will act like soil amendment for boosting plant health. You can offer them the right conditions, like an ideal amount of heat, and airflow and microbial activity will surely support a quick process.
Tips for composting animal manure
- You can ensure that your compost is heating and converting to compost by noticing two things. Firstly, around 50% of moisture content must be in compost. Secondly, the ratio of carbon/nitrogen is about 30-to-1.
- Ground and surface water proximity are vital for compost site selection. The site needs to be in an area where there is no groundwater contamination by leaching. Also, avoid area leaching that can run off to surface water.
- While turning compost, you’ll incorporate oxygen into your compost. Your compost will get homogenized and even break up clumps. Bucket tractor and windrow turner are two of the methods which are best for turning compost.
Conclusion
Composting animal manure will take the burden away from landfills because it’s an eco-friendly and effective way. In terms of dos and don’ts of composting animal manure, you must prioritize things like moisture, heat, and oxygen. Now, with this, you’re all set to dive into composting animal manure.
