Preparation and Preservation of Compost and Farmyard Manures

Preparation and Preservation of Compost and Farmyard Manures

Compost and farmyard manure are essential organic fertilizers that enhance soil quality and plant growth. This guide by Mirza Hasanuzzaman, PhD, outlines effective methods for preparing and preserving compost, including both underground and surface techniques. It details the types of materials suitable for composting, their nutrient content, and the decomposition process. Additionally, the document discusses the importance of farmyard manure, its preparation methods, and preservation strategies to minimize nutrient loss. Ideal for students and agricultural practitioners seeking to improve soil fertility sustainably.

Key Points

  • Explains the composting process and its benefits for soil health.
  • Describes various composting methods, including underground and surface techniques.
  • Details the nutrient content of rural and urban compost.
  • Covers the preparation and preservation of farmyard manure for optimal use.
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Compost and Farmyard Manure
Mirza Hasanuzzaman Also available at: www.hasanuzzaman.webs.com
This hand-out is not an alternative of Class Lectures or Books:: FOR STUDENTS' USE ONL
Y
PREPARATION AND PRESERVATION OF COMPOST AND
FARMYARD MANURE
Mirza Hasanuzzaman, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Agronomy
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
Compost
The word compost comes from the Latin word 'compostum', that means "to bring together".
Compost is one of the major organic manures derived from decomposed plant residues usually
made by fermenting waste plant materials heaped or put in a pit usually in alternate layers with a
view to bring the plant nutrients in a more readily available form. Using compost improves soil
structure, texture, and aeration and increases the soil’s water-holding capacity.
The process of decomposing organic wastes is called composting. Composting is essentially a
microbiological decomposition of organic residues collected from rural area (rural compost) or
urban area (urban compost).
Composting materials
Animal origin: Dead animal or organs, meat or fish meals, blood meals, dung, urine etc.
Plant origin: Leaves, Fresh roots, twigs, crop residues, kitchen wastes, weeds, water
hyacinth, sugarcane bagasse, rotten fruits, vegetables etc.
Nutrient content of some common compost
Types of Compost
Nutrient (%)
N
P
2
O
5
K
2
O
Rural compost
0.4 – 0.8
0.3 – 0.6
0.7 – 1.0
Urban compost
1.0 – 2.0
1.0
1.5
Composting methods
There are several methods of composting such as (1) Adco method, (2) Activated composting
method, (3) Indore method, (4) bangalore method etc.
In Bangladesh these methods are not followed directly, rather different methods are being
followed combining the above methods.
There are two methods of composting in Bangladesh viz. (1) Underground/Pit/Trench method and
(2) Surface/Pile/heap method
1. Underground/Pit/Trench method: In this method, composting materials are allowed to
decompose in a pit or trench. This method is suitable for dry or winter season because
composting materials cannot dried out inside the pit. Generally, a trench of 3 m long, 1.2 m wide
and 1.3 m deep are prepared for this process and the composting material are placed in layers.
However, the size of the pit may vary depending of the amount of composting materials.
Site selection: High land above flood level but near the water source. A place under shade is
better for composting.
Placement procedure of composting materials to pit:
Before arranging layers some straw may be placed in the floor of the pit as absorbing
materials of rice, wheat, jute, sugarcane, water hyacinth etc.
A 30 cm thick layer is made by water hyacinths and other waste materials. If the water
hyacinths are very long, there should be pieces into 15 cm long.
2
Compost and Farmyard Manure
Mirza Hasanuzzaman Also available at: www.hasanuzzaman.webs.com
This hand-out is not an alternative of Class Lectures or Books:: FOR STUDENTS' USE ONL
Y
About 200 g urea, 200 g TSP are broadcasted on the surface of the layer and then 2.5
cm thick layer of cow dung or clay is made above these materials.
This procedure should be continued until the pit filled composting materials.
The layers should not be too loose or to compact.
When the height of the composting materials becomes 45 cm above the land level, a
curved layer can be made by cowdung or clay soil above the composting materials.
After about 3 months these composting materials will become ready for using as organic
manure.
Fig. A compost pit
2. Surface/Pile/heap method
This method is suitable for excessive rainfall area or for rainy season. The procedure of compost
preparation by heap method is mentioned below.
Site selection: High land above flood level but near the water source. A place under shade is
better for composting.
Placement procedure of composting materials to make heap
A 30 cm thick layer is made by water hyacinths and other waste materials. If the water
hyacinths are very long, there should be pieces into 15 cm long.
200 g urea, 200 g TSP are broadcasted on the surface of the layer and then 2.5 cm thick
layer is made above these materials by cow dung or clay.
This procedure is repeated until the height of the heap become about 1.3 m.
After the completion of heap preparation a curved soil layer should be made above the
upper surface of the heap or a shade should be making above the heap. After about 4
months these composting materials will become ready for using as an organic fertilizer.
Fig. A compost heap
3
Compost and Farmyard Manure
Mirza Hasanuzzaman Also available at: www.hasanuzzaman.webs.com
This hand-out is not an alternative of Class Lectures or Books:: FOR STUDENTS' USE ONL
Y
Preservation of compost
Certain chemical also takes place during preparation of compost as like as farmyard manure. We
can reduce the losses and improve the quality of compost as follows:
About 7 days after the completion of heap making or pit filling, Pit or heap should be
examined by a stick inserting the middle of the heap or pit containing composting
materials.
If the composting materials of the pit/heap seem excessive wet, several holes should be
made on the heap/pit for enhancing drying. After 3-4 days these wholes should be filled
with soil.
If the heap/pit becomes excessive dry, water or urine should be applied of the heap/pit by
making some holes.
To enhance the decomposition, the layer should be inverted two times with 1 month
intervals.
The pit or heap should be shaded by making a shed above the pit/heap.
Complete composting required 2 to 6 months depending on raw materials and the
composting methods.
Causes of variability of nutrient content in Compost
The composition of compost is variable as like as farmyard manure. Such as-
1) Composting materials which are used preparing compost
2) Class of animals of which are used to stock the composting materials during compost
preparation
3) Types of feed
4) Methods of collecting, making and storage
5) Stage of decomposition
Farm yard manures
Farmyard manure (FYM) is a decomposed mixture of dung and urine of farm animals along with
wastes feeds, fodder, litter etc. and the bedding materials. The composition of FYM depends on
kind of animal, feed and fodder used, age and condition of the animal, nature of litter and method
of storage.
Material required
Animal excreta: Cow dung, urine
Bedding materials: Straw, peat soil, sawdust, dry leaves etc
Preparation of FYM
Farmyard manure may be prepared by the following methods viz. pit or sub-surface method and
heap or surface method.
1. Spreading of litter
The litter is the bedding material, which is spread on the floor of the cattle shed, straw, peat soil,
sawdust, dry leaves etc. All or any one or more are spread on the floor of the cattle shed.
2. Collection of manuring materials
i. Collection of urine: After spreading the litter on the cattle shed floor, the cattle are tied on the
bedding materials. The cattle excreta urine which soaks the litter cattle urine contains
considerable quantities of nitrogen and potash and for that reason litters are used to absorbed the
urine.
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FAQs of Preparation and Preservation of Compost and Farmyard Manures

What materials are suitable for composting?
Composting materials can be categorized into animal and plant origins. Animal materials include dung, urine, and meat meals, while plant materials consist of leaves, kitchen waste, and crop residues. Using a mix of these materials ensures a balanced nutrient profile in the compost. The document emphasizes the importance of layering these materials to facilitate effective decomposition.
What are the key methods for preserving compost?
To preserve compost effectively, it is crucial to monitor moisture levels and adjust as needed. If compost becomes too wet, holes can be made for drying, while excessive dryness can be remedied by adding water or urine. Additionally, turning the compost layers periodically enhances decomposition and nutrient retention. Proper shading and covering of the compost heap or pit also protect it from adverse weather conditions.
How does farmyard manure differ from compost?
Farmyard manure (FYM) is primarily composed of decomposed animal dung and urine, mixed with bedding materials like straw or sawdust. In contrast, compost is made from a broader range of organic materials, including plant residues and kitchen waste. While both improve soil fertility, FYM tends to have a higher nitrogen content, whereas compost provides a more balanced nutrient profile. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right organic fertilizer for specific agricultural needs.
What factors influence the nutrient content of compost?
The nutrient content of compost can vary significantly based on several factors. These include the types of materials used, the animal class from which the manure is sourced, and the feed provided to those animals. Additionally, the methods of collection, preparation, and storage play a crucial role in determining the final nutrient profile. The stage of decomposition also affects nutrient availability, making it essential to monitor these variables during composting.
What is the ideal composting process duration?
The composting process typically requires between 2 to 6 months, depending on the raw materials used and the composting method applied. For instance, materials with high moisture content may decompose faster, while drier materials might take longer. Regular monitoring and turning of the compost can help accelerate the process. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a well-decomposed, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer ready for application in gardening or farming.

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