Title
Common Manure Composting Problems and Their Solutions
(NM2046, February 2022)File
Publication File:
NM2046 Common Manure Composting Problems and Their Solutions
Summary
Take this quick guide to the compost piles and use it as a reference when you have questions about smell, temperature, moisture level and insects. This publication will help you determine common causes and solutions to compost pile issues.
Availability
Availability:
Available in print from the 线上赌博app Distribution Center.
Contact your county 线上赌博app Extension office to request a printed copy.
线上赌博app staff can order copies online (login required).
Publication Sections
This chart is to be used as a supplement to 线上赌博app Extension publication NM1478 (Keena, 2022).
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
| Rotten Egg Smell | Not enough oxygen due to compaction | Turn and mix pile to create air pockets. If particle size is too small (<1/8 inch), add bulkier particles such as woodchips about 2 inches in size. |
| Excessive moisture (water drips from squeeze test) | Turn and mix pile to aid drying. If particle size is too small (<1/8 inch), add bulkier particles such as woodchips about 2 inches in size. | |
| Ammonia Smell | Excess nitrogen | Add more carbon sources (straw, leaves, etc.) |
| Pile does not heat up | Pile is too small. | Increase pile size to at least 5 ft high x 5 ft wide x 5 ft deep |
| Pile is too dry. – most common problem (manure/compost crumbles with squeeze test) | While turning and mixing pile, add water with a hose or bucket. Let pile rest for several hours, then retest with the squeeze test. Add more water if necessary. | |
| Not enough nitrogen | Add nitrogen sources (grass clippings, hay, etc.). | |
| Not enough oxygen | Turn and mix pile to introduce oxygen. If particles are too small, add bulkier items such as woodchips. | |
| Cold/winter weather | Make sure the pile is large enough (at least 5 ft x 5 ft x 5 ft). Turn and mix pile less frequently than in warm weather. | |
| Composting is complete. | Compost is complete when it resembles soil and is crumbly. | |
| Attracts insects, millipedes, slugs, etc. | This is normal. | To minimize insect problems, keep at the proper moisture level (40-65%). Make sure the pile is heating to high enough temperatures to kill insect eggs (>104°F) (Nielsen et al., 2007). |
