Two, one-acre plots were set aside for application purposes. One plot received 20 tons of raw cow manure while the other received 20 tons of composted material. The compost piles were allowed to cook for 4 to 8 weeks and then cured for another 4 to 8 weeks. Additional substrates can be added to the compost to aid in the binding of ammonium nitrogen in the raw manure, thereby speeding up the composting process as well as binding excess phosphorous. Various tests were made of the one-acre plots to measure both soil tilth and fertility, and the results of treatments were compared.
Further observations are necessary to understand the long-term benefits to the soil.
The results indicate that composting is beneficial as a manure handling practice and economically sound in dealing with dairy farm waste. Composting is another method of nutrient management that will help sustain the land and it prevents runoff of liquid manure.