The Effective Use of Compost and Manure in Agricultural Production Systems

Earthwise Organics In business since 1996 Headquartered in South Texas Ag Warehouses in Harlingen, Dilley, and Seminole Consult and supply “sustainable” agricultural inputs statewide and SE New Mexico

Earthwise Organics Compost yards in Harlingen and Rio Grande City, Texas Produce about 10,000 tons of Compost per year Sell Compost and custom mixes across South Texas

Overview What is Compost? Comparing characteristics of manure and compost. Comparing compost and manure to conventional fertilizer. What an effective compost input program may look like.

What is Compost? Compost is the result of the decomposition of the bodies of plants, animals, and their waste products. This decomposition process is accomplished by microorganisms which use these raw materials as a food source.

What is Compost? The aerobic decomposition of these plant and animal materials requires 5 major parameters to be met. For the process to function efficiently there must be sufficient: Water Air Carbon Nitrogen Mass to maintain relatively high temperatures within the compost pile for an extended period.

What is Compost? Composting Materials At our Harlingen operation raw materials may include: Food scraps Cotton burs Woodwaste Sawdust At our Rio Grande City operation raw materials may include: Cattle Manure Woodwaste Sawdust

What is Compost? Composting Materials It is interesting that the nutrient analysis and appearance of the matured compost produced at these two sites from these very different raw materials are nearly identical.

What is Compost? USDA NOP Definition of Compost The product of a managed process through which microorganisms break down plant and animal materials into more available forms suitable for application to the soil. Compost must be produced through a process that combines plant and animal materials with an initial C:N ratio of between 25:1 and 40:1.

What is Compost? USDA NOP Definition of Compost (continued) Producers using an in-vessel or static aerated pile system must maintain the composting materials at a temperature between 131F and 170F for 3 days. Producers using a windrow system must maintain the composting materials at a temperature between 131F and 170F for 15 days, during which time, the materials must be turned a minimum of five times.

Earthwise Organics Layout of Composting Facility Raw Material Accumulation Area Screening Area We use a modified “static pile” method of composting. Finished Compost 12 to 18 months

So Why Use Compost? Among its many other attributes compost supplies organic matter and beneficial microbes which buffer and regulate mineral uptake in the plant.

Mineral Interactions Wheel It would be impossible to account for all of the mineral interactions taking place in the soil at any given moment. Organic matter in the soil naturally regulates and buffers these reactions.

Mineral Interactions in the Soil Organic matter regulates soil mineral exchange in a number of ways. These include: Acting as an electrically charged “sponge” to “soak up” excess nutrients, holding them loosely for absorption by the plant as needed. Maintaining a more even distribution of free water in the rhizosphere. Increasing the rate of nutrient cycling.

Soil Triangle Compost Compost supplies large numbers and a wide diversity of microorganisms as well as organic matter. The addition of compost makes poor soils more productive in a number of ways.

Mineral Interactions Wheel Cover crops can also add significant stable organic matter to the soil, accomplishing some of the same benefits as compost.

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Compost and Manure Similarities Compost and Manure are derived from the decay and/or waste of living organisms. As a result they have an essential nutrient ratio value that is similar to what is needed by crops. They contain large amounts of carbon in various forms.

Compost and Manure Similarities Compost and manure are “complete” fertilizers containing the essential nutrients needed for plant growth. The release rate of these nutrients is dependent on soil biology, which is dependent on temperature, moisture, and soil gas exchange

Compost vs Manure Differences Compost Regular Mixing and Turning Targeted C:N Ratios Typically 6 Month to 1 Year Processing Time Manure Highly Variable Aging and Handling Characteristics

Compost and Manure Typical Compost or Manure Analysis N lbs/ton P lbs/ton K lbs/ton Ca lbs/ton Mg lbs/ton S lbs/ton + small, but significant amounts of trace minerals

Compost vs Manure vs Fertilizer Comparisons

Typical Compost or Manure Release Rates Table 1. Estimated nutrient availability from 1 ton of dairy manure compost Nutrient Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 lb lb lb N 20/ P2O5 14/ K2O 22/ From Economics of Using Composted Dairy Manure

Table 1. Approximate Nutrient Composition of Various Types of Animal Manure and Compost (all values are on a fresh weight basis) Sources: Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook, 2nd ed., 1985, Midwest Plan Service; Organic Soil Amendments and Fertilizers, 1992, Univ. of Calif. #21505.

Fresh vs. Composted Manure Fresh, non-composted manure will generally have a higher N content than composted manure (Table 1). However, the use of composted manure will contribute more to the organic matter content of the soil. Using Manure and Compost as Nutrient Sources for Fruit and Vegetable Crops Carl J. Rosen and Peter M. Bierman Department of Soil, Water, and Climate University of Minnesota

Fresh vs. Composted Manure Fresh manure is high in soluble forms of N. Fresh manure may contain high amounts of viable weed seeds, which can lead to weed problems. Using Manure and Compost as Nutrient Sources for Fruit and Vegetable Crops Carl J. Rosen and Peter M. Bierman Department of Soil, Water, and Climate University of Minnesota In addition, various pathogens such as E. coli may be present in fresh manure and can cause illness to individuals eating fresh produce unless proper precautions are taken.

Fresh vs. Composted Manure Heat generated during the composting process will kill most weed seeds and pathogens, provided temperatures are maintained at or above 131°F for 15 days or more (and the compost is turned so that all material is exposed to this temperature for a minimum of 3 days). Compost alone also may not be able to supply adequate available nutrients, particularly N, during rapid growth phases of crops with high nutrient demands. Using Manure and Compost as Nutrient Sources for Fruit and Vegetable Crops Carl J. Rosen and Peter M. Bierman Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota

Table 2. Estimated Organic N Availability from Manure and Composted Manure the First Season After Application. Manure TypeOrganic N (% available) Dairy, no bedding35 Dairy, with bedding25 Composted dairy14 Poultry, no litter 50 Poultry, with litter45 Composted poultry30 Using Manure and Compost as Nutrient Sources for Fruit and Vegetable Crops Carl J. Rosen and Peter M. Bierman - Department of Soil, Water, and Climate University of Minnesota

Comparing Conventional Fertilizer, Compost, and Manure

Conventional Fertilizers Mined, synthetically produced, or the byproduct of an industrial process. Individual fertilizers typically contain one or two essential elements for plant growth. Often water soluble, not associated with carbon.

Conventional Fertilizers Can be easily combined and formulated into a custom nutrient package. Are relatively easy to apply Tend to be easily leachable, esp in sandy soils. Can be used alone or to supplement manure and/or compost applications.

Compost, Manure, and Fertilizer Comparisons Compost Nutrients mostly stable and bound to carbon Manure Nutrients fairly stable and mostly bound to carbon Fertilizer Nutrients water soluble or highly reactive

So Why Compost? Organic matter buffers and regulates mineral uptake in the plant. Most Texas soils are low in organic matter, some as low as 0.5%. Compost supplies fertility, organic matter, and beneficial microbes.

When is Compost Most Effective? Compost is most valuable in poorer soils. In sandy soils it adds water and nutrient holding capacity. In heavy soils it helps aggregate clay particles, increasing porosity and water infiltration rates. Compost helps provide and regulate balanced mineral availability in all soils.

Compost/Organic Matter Intangibles Balanced fertility allows plants to: -maintain an effective immune system (systemic acquired resistance). -successfully weather stressful conditions. -produce higher quality fruit or fiber.

Using Compost in a “Sustainable” Farm Plan Apply 1-3 tons compost per acre. Apply Conventional Nitrogen in small amounts through the growing season. Maintain a cover crop when a cash crop is not feasible (and when water is available).

Effective Substitution of Manure for Compost Apply of 2-4 tons manure per acre before planting cover crop or at cover crop plowdown. Apply a broad spectrum biological product when incorporating manure and/or cover crop.

Summarizing the Effective Use of Compost and Manure in Agricultural Production Systems Use Compost or Manure for base fertility, soil health, and plant health. Supplement conventional fertilizer as needed according to soil and tissue tests (and according to experience). Incorporate cover crops and biological inoculants into the farm plan in order to increase soil microbe diversity and numbers.

What is compost? Thomas Harr is the owner of Earthwise Organics, a small, diversified Texas-based eco- agricultural business established in His experience as a small organic farmer and his training as an engineer provided the basis for his systems approach to crop management. His experiences in food production over the last 25 years have convinced him of the efficiency and practicality of the biologically oriented approach to production agriculture.

Thomas consults on a wide range of crops and sells natural and sustainable agricultural inputs to farmers and gardeners across Texas and eastern New Mexico. His services include crop production plans, help with organic certification and compliance, and networking between producers and potential markets. His recommendations utilize compost, liquid fish, micronutrient and mineral amendments, selected microorganisms, and soil treatments, among many others.

In addition to Thomas’ consulting services, South Texas growers, nurseries, and landscapers can access quality compost produced by Earthwise at either of two large- scale compost production sites in the Rio Grande Valley. With Thomas’ recommendations and product line, they also have access to custom compost/fertilizer blends suited to their individual production system.

Compost vs Manure Composition Compost Animal Waste Plant Residue Animal Residue Manure Animal Waste Plant Residue (green manure)

Nutrient Availability from Manure and Compost The analysis of manure or compost provides total nutrient content, but availability of the nutrients for plant growth will depend on their breakdown and release from the organic components. Generally, 70 to 80% of the phosphorus (P) and 80 to 90% of the potassium (K) will be available from manure the first year after application. Numbers from a table or from an analysis report should to be multiplied by these factors to obtain the amount of P2O5 and K2O available to crops from a manure or compost application. When applied to soil, manure, compost, and other organic amendments undergo microbial transformations that release plant-available N over time. Volatilization, denitrification, and leaching result in N losses from the soil that reduce the amount of N that can be used by crops. The steps of N transformation in manure, compost, and other organic amendments, and the plant-available N forms, are as follows: Using Manure and Compost as Nutrient Sources for Fruit and Vegetable Crops Carl J. Rosen and Peter M. Bierman Department of Soil, Water, and Climate University of Minnesota

Nutrient Composition of Manure and Compost Many different types of manure are available for crop production. The nutrient content of manures varies with animal, bedding, storage, and processing. The approximate nutrient composition of various solid manures, including some composted manures, is presented in Table 1. Using Manure and Compost as Nutrient Sources for Fruit and Vegetable Crops Carl J. Rosen and Peter M. Bierman Department of Soil, Water, and Climate University of Minnesota