What is "composted manure"?

 

Today at DIGS we wanted to know what the difference was between "composted manure" and just straight manure? What is aged manure? Why do you age it? And what is "too hot" (nitrogen grabbing) to be applied to plants? So when I got home I googled up some quotes for this blog, so we can see what googles. :>)

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What is the difference between "cold" and "hot" manure?

Or, why does manure have to be aged like a fine wine?

And why does the bag say "composted manure"?

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Answer from:  Choose the best poo for you  - GrowOrganic

https://www.groworganic.com/blogs/articles/choosing-the-best-poo-for-you

Quote: Is Your Animal Manure "Hot"?

One thing you should pay attention to regardless of the type of animal it comes from is whether the manure has been aged or composted. Aged manure has simply been piled up; over time the nitrogen turns to a gaseous form and leaves the manure. This will turn a “hot” manure – one that would burn your plants roots if applied fresh–to a “cool” manure that is safe for your garden. All manures except those from llamas, alpacas and cattle need to be aged at least six months before use to be properly cooled.

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From: Australian Gardening blog:

https://flourishandbloomgardening.com.au/2021/10/the-type-of-manure-compost-for-your-garden/

Quote:

Hot & Cold Manure

Manures are generally put into two categories, hot and cold manure. Both hot and cold manure should be composted and aged first before applying it to your garden (between 3-6 months, the longer the better). Below is an explanation why this is.

Hot manure comes from chickens and horses and if used fresh it can burn plants and veggies as this type of manure is high in nutrients. Cold manure comes from cows, sheep, llamas and alpacas. It is low in nutrients and weeds can germinate if used fresh.

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From: Science Direct

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/composted-manure

Quote: 

Composted manure is preferred by many organic vegetable growers because composting reduces potential health and environmental risks of applying raw manure, and the compost contributes to more long-term soil fertility and health (Buchanan and Gliesmann, 1991). 

According to organic standards (USDA, 2017), “composted plant or animal materials must be produced through a process that establishes an initial carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio between 25:1 and 40:1 and achieves a temperature between 130°F and 168°F” (54.4–75.6°C). The C:N ratio is an important consideration when using various composts; it also is a controlling factor in the composting process itself. Composting operations that utilize windrow composting systems must maintain a temperature within the prescribed range for a minimum of 15 days. During this time materials must be turned four or five times (Fig. 2). Heat generated during the composting process kills most weed seeds and pathogens. 

The microbial-mediated composting process lowers the amount of soluble nitrogen forms by converting animal wastes, bedding, and other raw products into humus—the relatively stable organic fraction found in soil (Tyson and Cabrera, 1993). In stable humus, there is little free ammonia or soluble nitrate; as a large amount of nitrogen is bound as proteins, amino acids, and other biological components (Buchanan and Gliesmann, 1991; He et al., 2003). Other nutrients are stabilized in compost as well. 

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Well, now we know the long and the short of it. :>)