kenthefarmer
Lister
Yesterday, after writing an article about the disadvantages of applying fresh manure on our farms, many people requested me to explain how to properly decompose manure before using it. Manure is a great source of nutrients for crops, but if applied fresh, it can burn plants, introduce weeds, or spread diseases. To make it safe and beneficial, manure needs to decompose first.
There are two main methods of decomposing manure: cold decomposition and hot decomposition.
Cold Decomposition
This is the simplest method, where you pile up manure and leave it to break down naturally over time. It requires minimal effort, but the process is slow, often taking 6 months to a year. The decomposition happens at a low temperature, so weed seeds and harmful bacteria may survive.
Hot Decomposition (The Method I Use)
I prefer hot decomposition because it is faster and results in high-quality manure. The process involves maintaining a high temperature in the manure pile, which speeds up decomposition and kills weed seeds and pathogens. Here’s how I do it:
1. Choose a Good Location
Select a well-drained spot with some shade to prevent excessive drying.
2. Layer the Materials
Start with a base of dry plant materials (maize stalks, dry leaves) for aeration.
Add a layer of fresh manure (cow, goat, or chicken) for nitrogen.
Sprinkle some topsoil to introduce microbes.
If available, add kitchen waste or farm residues to enrich the pile.
3. Moistening the Pile
Lightly water the pile to keep it moist but not soggy. Ikue kama sponge imefinywa baada ya kuwekwa kwa maji—not too dry, not too wet.
4. Turning the Pile
Turn the pile every 5-7 days to aerate it and evenly distribute heat.
The pile should heat up (you’ll notice steam when turning it).
If it smells bad, it may be too wet or lack air ,add dry material and turn more often.
5. Knowing When It’s Ready
After 6-8 weeks, the manure should be dark, crumbly( well rotten), and have an earthy smell. If there’s still a strong ammonia odor or visible chunks of raw manure, it needs more time.
By using the hot method, I get well-decomposed manure quickly, which improves soil health and boosts crop yields naturally. I am going to do a video and upload it on my YouTube channel @Ken The Farmer, so subscribe and wait.
Don’t wait and subscribe
. Ni thayū!
~village investor the plant lawyer.
There are two main methods of decomposing manure: cold decomposition and hot decomposition.
Cold Decomposition
This is the simplest method, where you pile up manure and leave it to break down naturally over time. It requires minimal effort, but the process is slow, often taking 6 months to a year. The decomposition happens at a low temperature, so weed seeds and harmful bacteria may survive.
Hot Decomposition (The Method I Use)
I prefer hot decomposition because it is faster and results in high-quality manure. The process involves maintaining a high temperature in the manure pile, which speeds up decomposition and kills weed seeds and pathogens. Here’s how I do it:
1. Choose a Good Location
Select a well-drained spot with some shade to prevent excessive drying.
2. Layer the Materials
Start with a base of dry plant materials (maize stalks, dry leaves) for aeration.
Add a layer of fresh manure (cow, goat, or chicken) for nitrogen.
Sprinkle some topsoil to introduce microbes.
If available, add kitchen waste or farm residues to enrich the pile.
3. Moistening the Pile
Lightly water the pile to keep it moist but not soggy. Ikue kama sponge imefinywa baada ya kuwekwa kwa maji—not too dry, not too wet.
4. Turning the Pile
Turn the pile every 5-7 days to aerate it and evenly distribute heat.
The pile should heat up (you’ll notice steam when turning it).
If it smells bad, it may be too wet or lack air ,add dry material and turn more often.
5. Knowing When It’s Ready
After 6-8 weeks, the manure should be dark, crumbly( well rotten), and have an earthy smell. If there’s still a strong ammonia odor or visible chunks of raw manure, it needs more time.
By using the hot method, I get well-decomposed manure quickly, which improves soil health and boosts crop yields naturally. I am going to do a video and upload it on my YouTube channel @Ken The Farmer, so subscribe and wait.
Don’t wait and subscribe
. Ni thayū!~village investor the plant lawyer.
