Compost and manure are soil supplements that enhance the quality of the soil by creating conditions within it that allow plants to flourish and thrive.
They add organic matter into the soil, support helpful soil microorganisms and boost soil aeration.
They also balance the soil water levels and nourish your plants by adding beneficial nutrients into the soil. Additionally, they improve the structure of the soil.
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Composition of compost
Compost is made of decomposed organic matter arising from the breaking down of plant waste, dead insects, fungi, bacteria and other forms of microorganisms.
It is made from fruit and vegetable peels, garden waste, ground coffee waste, and the waste of used tea bags among other organic waste products.
The constituents of compost are therefore largely dependent on the materials and ingredients used, mode of preparation and storage. It allows you to make a soil supplement out of available organic waste, and within your budget and space.
Hot composted and pasteurized compost are the best and safest to use in gardening, so be sure to take your compost through these processes. All you need is to come up with your own composting method and you will be good to go.
Composition of manure
Manure is broken down organic matter. It has more nitrogen content than compost, especially chicken manure.
It raises the acidity level of your soil, making it more effective for growing plants. It increases uptake of nutrients by plant roots of plants requiring slightly acidic soils.
Livestock have different diets and digestive systems. They excrete waste that is rich in nutrients, arising out of the foods they eat. It is this waste that is referred to as manure.
Farm animal waste is different in terms of nutritional and mineral content. For instance, chicken is high in nitrogen and does not contain any weed seeds. Sheep waste breaks down easily and is rich in potassium.
Horse waste contains weed seeds, but it is well balanced in its nutritional and mineral content. Cow waste on the other hand is low in nutrients but breaks down easily.
The 4 types of manure
Manure comes in 4 forms, mainly; fresh, aged, hot-composted and pasteurized manure. Fresh manure is the waste that has recently been excreted.
It stinks and is usually heavy in terms of weight. Aged manure is that manure that has been in existence for a number of months. It has matured and is ready for use.
Hot-composted manure is that manure that is mixed with carbon-rich ingredients and which is composted at high temperatures to destroy disease-causing organisms and all existing weed seeds.
Composting temperatures range between 131 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Pasteurized manure is manure that is heated to kill anything harmful within it.
How to use compost and manure
You can use your hot composted or pasteurized manure the same way you use compost. Simply apply 1 to 2 inches of compost or manure onto the surface of your soil then work it deep inside to anywhere from 10 to 12 inches.
How to determine your choice
In determining which is better between compost and manure, consider the functions both play in the soil, their availability, your preferences and what you as a gardener desires to achieve.
Because although they have many similarities, they also have differences in terms of composition, uses, benefits and their downsides.
If for instance you are seeking to boost the nutrient content of your soil, manure will be your best choice because it has more nutrients than compost, and the nutrients are quickly and easily absorbed.
However, if you are seeking to increase the quantity of organic matter in your soil, compost will be your best option due to its high organic matter content. It is also good to consider the pros and cons of both in making your choice.
Pros of compost
- It allows waste products to be converted into soil nourishing supplements.
- It is an eco-friendly way of dealing with all organic waste. Basically, it is nature’s way of recycling organic waste.
- It is easy for anyone to make because there are many composting methods to choose from and which suit any home and any lifestyle.
- It keeps you in control of what goes into your compost, thus keeping it free of chemicals.
- It is cheap to make and can even be acquired for free from owners of neighboring farms.
- It provides both instant, short-term and long-term benefits to crops.
- It improves soil aeration, helps in water retention and drainage, and keeps soils well drained.
- It adds nutrients into the soil.
Cons of compost
- It requires space to make and store compost.
- It takes time and effort to prepare it safely, especially when dealing with animal-based food scraps.
- It takes time to process it into a state where it can be used without causing harm to plants.
- It produces a bad odor, attracting insect and animal pests, and more so when it is not carefully managed.
- Compost piles spoil the beauty of any garden, especially when they appear messy.
- Compost that is not well processed harms plants.
- It slowly looses small amounts of nutrients with time.
Pros of manure
- It improves the structure of the soil.
- It adds useful microorganisms into the soil.
- It is cheap to obtain.
- It lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
- It is created by livestock, freeing you from the task of having to prepare it.
- It helps to kick-start hot composting processes.
- It maintains sufficient water and air contents in the soil.
Cons of manure
- Manure can harbor weeds and weed seeds eaten by livestock.
- It can contain residue of antibiotics taken by livestock during illness.
- It can contain herbicide residue arising from chemical herbicides used on the plants they eat.
- Fresh manure burns plants and plant roots when applied directly.
- It is not readily accessible to urban residents, thus hampering their efforts at kitchen gardening.
- Manure contains organisms that cause and spread diseases.
- Fresh manure stinks, is heavy and is unsuitable for application.