Interest in manure composting is growing among farmers. This is due to potential benefits associated with storing, hauling and application flexibility to established hay and other crops.
Composting refers to the process of aerating solid manure piles to encourage more rapid and complete decomposition of organic matter. Composting produces heat and reduces volume. Composted manure generally contains fewer weed seeds and pathogens. It also has less odor, and it provides a more stable and concentrated source of soil nutrients and organic matter.
Manure composting methods can be adapted to farms of all sizes and livestock types.
Dodge County Extension is hosting a short field day to demonstrate and discuss manure composting. The event will be at the Bruce and Karl Sime Farm near Stoughton at 9:30 a.m. on Sep. 12. The address is 1192 Starr School Rd.
The field day will feature a panel of dairy and beef producers currently managing a portion of their manure with composting. They will discuss their methods and objectives for composting as well as successes and challenges.
Extension researchers will provide practical insights into the science of composting as well as guidelines for sampling and lab submission for estimating nutrient availability. The Dane County Land and Water Conservation Department will discuss considerations for an appropriate compost site location.
The field day will wrap-up with a compost turner demonstration and lunch at noon.
Need more info? Contact Will Fulwider, regional crops educator for Dane and Dodge County
Extension, at 608-220-3577 or [email protected].
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