Frequent turning results in an end product that is granular and uniform, easy to spread with lime or fertilizer spreaders. Application is faster and doesn't require large, powerful tractors. There is less moisture to transport and less power is needed than it takes to beat, propel or inject manure. Simplicity and ease of operation . Investments in concrete or asphalt pads eliminate the mud and ruts that can result when weather turns ugly at the composting site.
Some farmers go so far as to build roof-covered pads.
Minimal land-forming may be needed to safely divert clean water away from the compost area, but most farmers are able to find sites where water will drain away. Commercial turners take less time and do a better mixing job than front-end loaders. Ingredient flexibility . While some compost makers are able to control manure composition by bedding barns with straw, leaves, sawdust, wood chips or even shredded newspapers, most manure comes from the barn needing ingredient manipulation at the composting site. Management Most farmers manage composting as a continuous flow process.