Compost Manure

Definition

Manure refers to organic material, such as animal droppings or decaying plant matter, that is used to fertilize soil and improve its fertility. It contains nutrients essential for plant growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and helps replenish soil organic matter.

Benefits of Organic Manure

1. They are available at the farm.
2. Cheaper than commercial fertilizers
3. Increase crop yield and are sustainable.
4. They condition the soil by improving the structure and texture, thus improving drainage.
5. Improve nutrient qualities – the nutrients from compost are released slowly and steadily.
6. Increase soil water retention.

Composting

Composting involves the decomposition of animal waste, typically mixed with other organic materials and plant materials to create a nutrient-rich fertilizer. This process utilizes bacteria and other microorganisms to break down the organic matter, converting it into a valuable soil amendment that improves soil structure and fertility. It takes place under controlled conditions like heaps and pits.

Composting materials

Compost is made from any organic material, such as green vegetation, ash or charcoal dust, animal manure, refuse, paper, twigs and branches, dry grass, water, and a measuring stick.

Note: Avoid making compost in waterlogged areas. Such places inhibit the activities of organisms, stopping the process.

Site Selection

Refers to the process of identifying and choosing an appropriate location for the decomposition of animal waste and plant materials into compost. The goal is to select a site that promotes effective decomposition, minimizes odors, prevents environmental contamination, and complies with local regulations.

Factors considered in site selection.

• It should be accessible for easy management.
• Partial shade to avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Too much light increases unnecessary heat in compost.
• Nearness to a water source, for easy watering when dry.
• Nearness to the field, to reduce transportation costs.
• Security should be a protected area to avoid damage by animals or persons.

Procedure for building a compost heap

1. Select a location close to where the heap will be made. The compost should be protected from wind, sunlight and water.
2. Measure out an area 1m wide and 1 m long. Similar area must be allowed for turning the heap.
3. Loosen the soil where compost is to be made. This will allow close contact of the material to be composted with the ground.
4. Lay down a foundation of twigs and small branches to allow drainage and air circulation.
5. Then sprinkle some water on this layer to accelerate decomposition.
6. For second layer, add coarse plant material like dry grass and straw, chopped into small length. This layer should be about 15 cm thick; sprinkle water on the layer.
7. The third layer is for animal manure. Add manure or animal waste then sprinkle water.
8. Add a fourth layer of fresh but wilted plant material. Green weeds, leguminous forage. Tithonia are good materials. Green materials are good sources of soil nutrient known as Nitrogen. Sprinkle
9. Sprinkle a mixture of ash or charcoal with a little top soil or old compost. Ash/charcoal adds nutrient known as potassium to the compost whereas top soil or old compost helps introduce microorganisms responsible for decomposition to the compost.
10. Add more layers by starting again with dry grass, then animal manure, green plant material and topsoil. Remember to sprinkle water on each layer. Build up the heap to a height of 1.5m.
11. Cover with polythene all round to prevent evaporation, rains and thus retain moisture and warmth.

Management of compost manure

• The process of composting can be checked regularly using dry stick driven diagonally into the compost heap. If the stick is warm, it indicates that the process of composting is still going on. If the stick is dry add more water. If the stick is wet add dry soil.
• The stick should not be removed as it will be used to check the temperature from time to time
• After four weeks the lower layers of material composted is likely to have decomposed. At this time the heap is ready for turning, which is repeated every 4 weeks which is repeated in the second month. Use the stick to monitor the progress of decomposition. When the stick feels cold then the decomposition process is complete.

Determinants of well-decomposed compost

• Dark brown in color.
• Feels crumby when felt between fingers.
• Smells like newly ploughed virgin land.
• Light and moist.
• It has uniform decomposition; one cannot recognize the original state of composting materials.

Benefits of different components used in compost making

• Green materials such as green leaves and green grass clippings are rich in nitrogen, which forms a bigger percentage of crop nutrient requirements.
• Coarse materials, such as twigs and branches, improve drainage.
• Dry materials such as sawdust and dry leaves are a source of carbon.
• Topsoil introduces microorganisms such as earthworms.
• Ash, a source of potassium, checks compost pH.
• Water provides conditions for the decomposition process.
• Long stick to check compost temperature.
• A polythene sheet prevents heavy rainfall, conserves moisture, and prevents evaporation.