Spring weather will soon thaw frozen manure piles leaving producers with decisions about handling the manure effectively.
Beyond a simple pile of manure, composting should be thought of as the biological decomposition of organic matter under controlled conditions, says Brian Dougherty. He explains the nuances of getting moisture, oxygen level, particle size, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and temperature right for successful composting on farm.
Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 20, 2023. Link. Oxygen is a critical component for efficient composting and minimizing odors. Anaerobic composting leads to leaching and odor concerns.