In natural conditions, composting goat manure, like composting other types of animal manure, can take several months to a year to fully decompose and become nutrient-rich compost. But for commercial goat manure fertilizer making, we need to compost goat manure quickly. The exact time it takes for goat manure to compost depends on various factors, including the size of the compost pile, the ratio of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials, and the environmental conditions.
Here are some general guidelines for composting goat manure:
- Build a Compost Pile: Start by creating a compost pile. A pile that is at least 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet (1 cubic yard) is a good size for efficient composting.
- Mix with Carbon-Rich Material: Goat manure is considered a “green” or nitrogen-rich material. To create balanced compost, mix the goat manure with carbon-rich “brown” materials such as straw, leaves, sawdust, or shredded newspaper. A common ratio is roughly 3 parts brown materials to 1 part green material. In addition, you can add some fermentation bacteria to speed up the sheep manure compost making process.
- Turn and Aerated: Regularly turn or aerate the compost pile to provide oxygen to the microorganisms responsible for breaking down the organic matter. This helps speed up the decomposition process. Here, manual turning is not easy, especially for large scale manure fermentation. So it is advisable to buy a goat manure compost machine. Click here to learn more.
- Maintain Moisture: Keep the compost pile consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Adequate moisture is essential for the decomposition process. Here, you can use fertilizer dewatering machine to remove water from goat manure. And sheep waste compost turner with water tank can add water during composting.
- Temperature and Environment: Composting occurs faster at higher temperatures. If possible, place the compost pile in a sunny area to encourage microbial activity. A well-insulated compost bin or pile can help maintain higher temperatures, especially in colder climates.
- Patience: Composting goat manure typically takes several months to a year to produce finished compost. The exact time can vary based on the conditions and materials used. With suitable process and compost equipment, it only needs 15 -30 days.
You can speed up the process by ensuring the right balance of materials, adequate aeration, and the right moisture levels. Using a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature can also be helpful. When the compost is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell, it’s a sign that the goat manure compost fertilizer is finished.
Remember to consider the composted goat manure as a valuable organic fertilizer and soil conditioner for your garden or plants, as it will be rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. If you are interested in goat manure composting, you can visit https://www.manuremanagementplan.com/sheep-manure-compost/.