Manure not always needed Research shows that manure can reduce decomposition in the compost. This may be the most critical consideration when making a good compost fertilizer. The optimum ratio is 30 to 1, or 30 pounds organic matter to 1 pound of nitrogen for fast results and a high nitrogen product when you are done. If too much nitrogen is present then some more high carbon raw materials need to be added such as straw, grass, bagasse, paper, etc. Molasses favors fungi over bacteria to speed up process Fungi produce enzymes that can break down lignin and cellulose.
Bacteria then take over and finish the job forming humus.
What takes so long is that most composting is not done with fungus initially. The key is to favor fungi right from the very start, as fungi can break down ligno-cellulosic waste without high temperatures. It has been demonstrated that the addition of molasses to the pile will favor fungi over bacteria and can speed up the whole process dramatically. Molasses is cheap in many areas and may be available from feed stores or sugar factories. Either cane or beet can be used.