Compost vs Manure: Unraveling the Mysteries of Garden Gold

When it comes to gardening success, the age-old debate of compost vs manure has puzzled green thumbs for generations. Both compost and manure are valuable organic materials that can nourish your plants and improve soil health. But what sets them apart, and which one should you choose for your garden?

1. Compost: The Black Gold of Gardening

Compost, often referred to as “black gold,” is a nutrient-rich, organic matter created through the natural decomposition of various organic materials. Gardeners around the world swear by its magical properties, and for good reason.

What Goes into Compost?

Compost is made from a balanced mix of kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, fruit cores, coffee grounds, yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, and even shredded paper or cardboard. The key to a successful compost pile lies in achieving the right balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials.

How Does Composting Work?

Composting is a natural process where microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, break down the organic materials into humus—the final, stable form of compost. These microorganisms thrive in a well-aerated and moist environment, turning your organic waste into a nutrient-packed soil amendment.

The Benefits of Compost

• Enriches Soil Structure: Compost improves soil structure, making it easier for plant roots to access water, nutrients, and oxygen.
• Boosts Nutrient Content: Compost adds essential nutrients to the soil, promoting healthy plant growth and abundant harvests.
• Enhances Water Retention: Compost acts as a sponge, helping the soil retain moisture and reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Supports Beneficial Microbes: Compost fosters the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms, promoting a thriving ecosystem underground.

Using Compost in the Garden

To use compost, simply mix it into the top few inches of your garden beds or containers. You can also brew compost tea—a liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water—to nourish your plants. Compost can be used for a variety of plants, from vegetables and flowers to trees and shrubs.

2. Manure: Nature’s Fertilizer

Manure has been a trusted ally for farmers and gardeners for centuries. This organic material is packed with nutrients and plays a vital role in soil fertility and plant health. Numbers from the National Agricultural Statistics Services indicate that in 2019 there were approximately 55 million pounds of beef manure produced in North Dakota.[1]

Types of Manure

There are different types of manure, each sourced from specific animals, and their nutrient content can vary:

• Cow Manure: Rich in nitrogen, cow manure is a popular choice for enriching soil fertility.
• Horse Manure: With a balanced nutrient profile, horse manure is ideal for a wide range of plants.
• Chicken Manure: High in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, chicken manure is a potent fertilizer.
• Sheep and Goat Manure: These manures are relatively mild and safe to use for most plants.

The Benefits of Using Manure

• Nutrient-Rich: Manure is a powerhouse of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential elements.
• Soil Conditioning: When mixed into the soil, manure improves soil structure and drainage, creating an ideal growing environment for plants.
• Long-Lasting Effects: The nutrients in manure are released gradually, providing a steady supply of food for plants over time.

Cautions When Using Manure

While manure is an excellent natural fertilizer, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Age Matters: Fresh manure can burn plant roots and should be composted or aged for several months before use. The nitrogen in fresh beef manure is approximately 50% available for plant growth during the first growing season after application, whereas the nitrogen in composted beef manure is only 15-20% available.[2]
• Avoid Contaminants: Make sure the manure comes from healthy animals and is free of harmful chemicals or medications.
• Balancing Nutrients: Different plants have specific nutrient needs, so ensure the manure you use matches your plants’ requirements.

Using Manure in the Garden

To use manure, spread it evenly over your garden beds or mix it into the soil. For best results, combine manure with compost or other soil amendments to achieve a balanced nutrient profile.

3. Compost vs Manure: The Ultimate Showdown

The compost vs manure battle intensifies as gardeners weigh the pros and cons of each. So, let’s pit them against each other and see how they stack up.

Nutrient Content

• Compost: Compost provides a well-balanced mix of nutrients, making it a versatile choice for various plants.
• Manure: Manure, depending on its source, can be richer in specific nutrients, such as nitrogen or phosphorus.

Soil Conditioning

• Compost: Compost enhances soil structure and water retention, improving overall soil health.
• Manure: Manure also improves soil structure but may need to be balanced with other amendments to avoid excess nutrients.

Nutrient Release

• Compost: Nutrients in compost are released gradually over time, providing sustained nourishment to plants.
• Manure: Nutrients in manure are readily available but can leach quickly in heavy rain or irrigation.

Pathogens and Weeds

• Compost: Properly managed composting reduces the risk of pathogens and weeds.
• Manure: Fresh manure may contain weed seeds and pathogens, necessitating proper aging or composting.

Ease of Use

• Compost: Easy to make at home, composting allows you to recycle kitchen and garden waste.
• Manure: Sourcing quality manure may require more effort, especially if you don’t raise animals.

Versatility

• Compost: Compost is suitable for a wide range of plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and more.
• Manure: Different types of manure may be better suited for specific plants due to their varying nutrient profiles.

Sustainability

• Compost: Composting reduces landfill waste and supports sustainable gardening practices.
• Manure: Using manure from local farms promotes recycling and sustainable agriculture.

4. The Best of Both Worlds: Combining Compost and Manure

Gardening enthusiasts need not be bound by the compost vs manure dilemma. In fact, combining these two powerhouses can create the ultimate soil amendment for your garden.

The Magic of Compost and Manure Blend

By blending compost and well-aged manure, you get the best of both worlds—nutrient diversity, improved soil structure, and long-lasting nourishment for your plants. The compost provides a stable base of nutrients, while the manure adds an extra punch of specific elements.

Creating the Perfect Blend

To create the perfect compost and manure blend, follow these steps:

1. Prepare your compost using a mix of green and brown materials, ensuring it’s fully decomposed.
2. Source well-aged manure from a reliable source, or compost fresh manure separately for several months.
3. Mix the compost and manure in equal parts or adjust the ratio depending on your plants’ nutrient needs.

Applying the Blend

Spread the compost and manure blend evenly over your garden beds or mix it into the soil before planting. Your plants will relish the nutrient feast, and you’ll notice the difference in their growth and health.

5. Compost Tea and Manure Tea: Liquid Gold for Plants

If you’re looking to take your plant nourishment game to the next level, consider brewing compost tea or manure tea. These liquid fertilizers pack a nutrient-rich punch and can be easily applied to your garden.

Compost Tea

To brew compost tea, follow these simple steps:

1. Fill a container with water and add a generous amount of finished compost.
2. Allow the compost to steep in the water for 24 to 48 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain the liquid to remove any solid materials, and your compost tea is ready to use.

Manure Tea

For manure tea, the process is quite similar:

1. Fill a container with water and add well-aged manure (in a porous bag or sack for easier straining).
2. Let the manure steep in the water for 24 to 48 hours, occasionally stirring the mixture.
3. Strain the liquid, and your nutrient-rich manure tea is good to go.

Applying Tea to Plants

When using compost or manure tea, simply water your plants with the liquid to provide an instant nutrient boost. Tea applications are especially beneficial for plants that need a quick pick-me-up.

6. Compost vs Manure for Specific Plants

Now that we’ve explored the attributes of compost and manure, it’s time to understand which one works best for specific plants.

Compost for Vegetables

Vegetable plants, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, thrive with a nutrient-rich compost blend. The balanced nutrients in compost support healthy fruit development and robust yields.

Manure for Flower Beds

For colorful and vibrant blooms, flower beds benefit from the nutrient boost of well-aged manure. Perennials, annuals, and flowering shrubs will flourish with the added nourishment.

Compost for Trees and Shrubs

When establishing new trees or shrubs, amend the soil with compost to encourage root growth and overall plant health. Compost aids in water retention, critical for young woody plants.

Manure for Fruit Trees

Fruit trees, such as apple or citrus trees, appreciate the extra nutrients from manure. The potassium and phosphorus content support fruit production and overall tree vigor.

Compost for Houseplants

Indoor plants also benefit from the gentle nourishment of compost. Mix compost into the potting soil to provide a steady supply of nutrients.

Manure for Lawns

For a lush and healthy lawn, consider top-dressing with composted manure. It helps improve soil structure and supports a thriving turf.

7. Common Composting Mistakes to Avoid

While composting is a rewarding endeavor, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Too Much Kitchen Waste: An excess of kitchen scraps can lead to a smelly and slow compost pile. Balance green and brown materials to avoid this issue.
2. Lack of Aeration: Compost needs oxygen to decompose properly. Ensure good airflow within your compost pile or bin to speed up the process.
3. Inadequate Moisture: Compost should be damp, but not soaking wet. Regularly check the moisture level and adjust if necessary.
4. Adding Diseased Plants: Avoid composting diseased plants, as the pathogens may persist in the finished compost.
5. Weed Seeds in Compost: If your compost doesn’t reach high enough temperatures during decomposition, weed seeds may survive and sprout in your garden.
6. Large Unchopped Materials: Large materials take longer to break down. Chop them into smaller pieces to speed up composting.
7. Composting Meat and Dairy: While some compost systems can handle meat and dairy, they can attract pests and may be best avoided for home composting.

8. FAQs

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey through the world of compost vs manure, we’ve unraveled the mysteries of these organic powerhouses. Both compost and manure have unique attributes that can elevate your gardening game and promote sustainable practices.

So, why choose one over the other? Embrace the versatility of compost and the nutrient richness of manure, and blend them together for the ultimate garden gold. Whichever route you take, your plants will thank you with bountiful harvests and vibrant blooms.

Remember, the secret to a thriving garden lies in understanding the needs of your plants, nurturing the soil, and embracing the magic of compost and manure.

Happy gardening!