Grower Question: Compost or Manure?
Grower Question: Will Compost or Manure Improve the Nutrient Content of my Soil?
Originally Published November 2021
Will compost or manure improve the nutrient content of your soil? In short, yes. To what degree depends upon the material you choose and how it is managed.
For soil nutrient improvement, I favor manures (raw or composted) over composted green waste. The nutrient analysis of green waste can vary to a greater degree than manure-based options. Regardless of the material, you should get a current analysis. Making a choice between dairy, feedlot, poultry, etc., should be made with the help of your certified crop advisor.
To maximize the soil benefit, light incorporation (1-2” deep) into your soil is vital. This is where the “decomposers” are and must be in contact with materials to do the work Nature assigned them. By mixing the applied material with the soil reduces volatilization. Delaying soil incorporation by four days, can cost up to about 50% of the nutrient benefit. Incorporation ensures you are getting, as much of the nutrient value as possible, put back into the soil.
Another detail not to be overlooked is the importance of beneficial soil microbial inoculation. When a manure-based material is introduced into the soil, it delivers a good amount of phosphorus, potassium, some nitrogen, etc., but these nutrients are all connected to the cellulose-based material. This carbon form needs to be decomposed in order to access the nutrient cache. This is where the right microbe species and plenty of them can make quick work of the mineralization process [Choosing a microbial product can be a vast wasteland of overwhelming information]. You should have someone guide you through this process to make a confident, informed decision.
Manure-materials are often undervalued as viable fertilizer, soil-builder options. The amount of gain you realize by applying these materials is dependent upon how well they are managed. Anytime nutrients can be added to your soil with carbon, there is a synergy that is created and the soil health is improved as a result.
This may not be a fertilizer or soil-builder alternative you’ve considered, but it’s worth looking into for most crops. If you have questions about compost, manure or soil microbiology, I have some information for you. Click the green ‘Message Marc’ button below and I will send you some information to help.
Here’s to your crops’ success!
