Jamie Cohen Farm Outreach Coordinator, Marion County Foundation for a Gator Nation An Equal Opportunity Institution

A mixture of decaying organic substances, (i.e. dead leaves, veggies, manure) containing beneficial microbes and fungi

HELP SAVE THE FARM MONEY You can decrease, or potentially eliminate need for synthetic fertilizers with addition of compost HELP PROTECT THE WATER Soil requires less water with compost; nutrient decrease IMPROVE SOIL CONDITIONS Compost provides nutrients, organic matter, beneficial bacteria and fungi so vital to plant growth

Anaerobic-in vessel Anaerobic-in vessel Can make energy! Can make energy! Aerobic digestion Aerobic digestion In vessel: tumbler varieties In vessel: tumbler varieties Forced air, or static Forced air, or static Bin style, or windrows Bin style, or windrows

Anaerobic Digestion: A Manure to Energy System, at work in Live Oak

AEROBIC: STATIC AIR COMPOSTING PILES Placed on concrete to avoid leaching

1.This gets converted… 2.Into this! (started as stall waste)

BIN COMPOSTING: Assorted designs…

COMPOST BIN DESIGN- YOU CAN MAKE UP YOUR OWN IDEALLY, FLOORING SHOULD BE AN IMPERVIOUS SURFACE

A tarp for covering manure

Plexiglas hinged roof Air tube = additional air infusion into composting material Removable slats: Make it easier to use This system cost under $ to construct!

Get fancier with the design, if you like… Roofed or covered with a tarp is best

Windrow composting Fully Composted manure Partially composted manure

Done with Compost turner Done with front-end loader

This is important when considering bin design and compost set-up

So, which system will be best for you? Extension can REALLY help with your ideas… Just ask! Foundation for the Gator Nation An Equal Opportunity Institution

FYI: Stockpiling manure, leaving it and not managing IN ANY WAY… IS NOT REALLY COMPOSTING!

Animal manures vary greatly in content of fertilizing nutrients, depending on type, age, and condition of animal. Feed type, manure age and decomposition, moisture content and bedding type also alter nutrient amounts. Feed type, manure age and decomposition, moisture content and bedding type also alter nutrient amounts.

Animal Manure Tons/yr Nutrient Content lbs/ton Percent Solids Sheep7.3 N:22.5, P 2 O 5 :7.6, K 2 O: Llama/Alpaca ? ?...High N, low organic matter ? Goat7.0 N:22.0, P 2 O 5 :5.4, K 2 O: Pig~11.2 N:~13.9, P 2 O :~10.8, K 2 O:~ Cow (beef, dairy) ~13.5 N:~10, P 2 O 5 :~5, K 2 O:~8.8 ~10.9 Horse8.2 N:12.1, P 2 O 5 :4.6, K 2 O: Poultry ( assorted) ~10.4 N:~27.2,P 2 O 5 :~20.3, K 2 O:~ Average Manure Facts-Raw Manure The Ohio State University Extension: Agronomy Facts

Organic matter stabilization - slow-release nutrients Organic matter stabilization - slow-release nutrients Weed seed reduction /degradation Weed seed reduction /degradation Prevents compaction; increases in root growth. Prevents compaction; increases in root growth. Soil absorbs water faster so it retains more water Soil absorbs water faster so it retains more water RESISTS erosion by wind and rain. RESISTS erosion by wind and rain. Develops DIVERSE AND BENEFICIAL MIX of microorganisms Develops DIVERSE AND BENEFICIAL MIX of microorganisms An increase in the number/types of microorganisms MEANS reductions in plant pathogens and diseases. WHAT COMPOST OFFERS TO SOIL…

Straight manure land application is ok, But it won’t help stop excess weed growth, Or destruction of pathogens UNLESS IT’S FIRST COMPOSTED An FYI for pasture management:

A GREAT RESOURCE TO CHECK: Marketing Guide –WSU Extension Wanna sell the compost? Wanna sell the compost? Ask local gardeners, nurseries, landscapers Ask local gardeners, nurseries, landscapers Local government -erosion control on road banks Local government -erosion control on road banks Neighborhoods Neighborhoods Ask your neighbors if they are interested? Ask your neighbors if they are interested? You may start a business by selling/spreading or delivering you compost locally You may start a business by selling/spreading or delivering you compost locally

You can get your manure and/or compost tested by UF: tested by UF: Get a form at the Extension office

COMPOSTING: A fantastic thing: It benefits soils and the environment A fantastic thing: It benefits soils and the environment

Contact us to help make your compost and business to help make your compost and business be its best! Foundation for a Gator Nation An equal opportunity institution