Compost Manure for sale

By the end of this section you will have learnt

1.)About Compost Manure

2.)How To Compost

3.)Compost Manure Price Review

4.)Where to buy compost Manure

5.)List of Materials Needed in composting

6.)Benefits of Compost Manure

7.)Challenges facing Composting

8.)Innovations in Composting

About Compost Manure

Compost manure is a decomposed mixture of organic materials such as plant waste, kitchen scraps, animal dung, crop residues, and dry leaves. These materials are broken down by microorganisms, fungi, and other soil organisms into a rich, earthy substance full of nutrients. Unlike fresh manure or raw organic waste, compost is stabilized and safe to apply directly to crops. It doesn’t burn plants, harbor harmful pathogens, or emit foul odors when properly made.

Compost manure is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer produced through the controlled decomposition of animal waste, plant materials, and other biodegradable matter. Unlike raw manure, composted manure undergoes a natural breakdown process that eliminates pathogens, reduces odor, and enhances soil fertility.

It is widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and organic farming due to its ability to improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide essential nutrients for plant growth. In a world increasingly affected by climate change, soil degradation, and expensive farm inputs, composting offers an affordable and natural solution for building soil health and increasing productivity.

Well-made compost is ready when it has a pleasant earthy smell ,crumbly and dark No longer resembling the original materials

How To Compost

Composting can be done in pits, heaps, bins, or even in sacks, depending on space and resources.

Composting is a natural biological process. Microorganisms—such as bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi—feed on organic materials in the presence of oxygen (aerobic composting). They generate heat as they break down waste, especially in the early stages.

1. Choose a shaded, well-drained spot.

2. Layer the materials: Start with dry matter (browns), then add green materials.

3. Add animal manure to boost nitrogen and microbial activity.

4. Moisten the pile—keep it as damp as a wrung-out sponge.

5. Turn the heap every 1–2 weeks to supply oxygen.

6. Let it sit for 6–12 weeks, depending on weather and materials.

The process goes through four main phases:

1. Mesophilic Phase (20-40°C): Initial decomposition by mesophilic organisms.

2. Thermophilic Phase (40-70°C): High heat kills weed seeds and pathogens.

3. Cooling Phase: Microbial activity decreases as materials become stable.

4. Maturation Phase: Compost stabilizes and becomes humus-rich.

The end result is a dark brown, crumbly, sweet-smelling substance that can significantly enhance soil fertility and structure.

Compost Manure Price Review

The cost of Organic Manure in Kenya varies between vendors as some sell a Kilogram of compost manure at 17Ksh while some sell a kilogram at 100Ksh .In other marketplaces such as Facebook some sell the organic manure at 350Ksh for a 90 Kilogram sack while a Lorry goes for 18,000Ksh

Benefits of Compost Manure

Improves Soil Fertility

Compost manure is rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), (N, P, K) the primary macronutrients required for plant growth. It also contains micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, (Fe, Mn, Zn) which enhance soil fertility naturally.

Enhances Soil Structure

Compost improves soil texture, especially in clay or sandy soils. It promotes better water infiltration and root penetration. Compost Improves aeration and drainage in clay soils. Compost Increases water retention in sandy soils.

Reduces Dependency on Chemical Fertilizers

Compost reduces dependency on expensive synthetic fertilizers, lowering production costs while improving sustainability. Since compost manure releases nutrients slowly, it provides long-term nourishment to crops

Environmentally Friendly

Organic Compost Reduces landfill waste by recycling organic materials. Compost Lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to raw manure decomposition. Compost Manure Prevents soil erosion by improving soil binding capacity.

Suppresses Plant Diseases

Compost contains beneficial microbes that help suppress soil-borne pathogens, reducing the risk of plant diseases.A mature compost heap generates high temperatures that kill harmful pathogens. In the soil, compost boosts microbial biodiversity that naturally suppresses plant diseases.

List of Materials Needed in composting

Green Materials (Nitrogen-rich)

• Animal manure (cow, horse, poultry, goat)

• Vegetable scraps

• Grass clippings

• Coffee grounds

Brown Materials (Carbon-rich)

• Dry leaves

• Straw or hay

• Wood chips (good for Lignin)

• Cardboard or newspaper (shredded)

• Sawdust (untreated)

• Cardboard or shredded paper

• Corn stalks

• Eggshells (for calcium)

• Wood ash (for potassium)

• Water (for moisture balance)

Challenges facing Composting

• Composting is labor Intensive as Turning and managing the Compost pile requires effort.

• Composting takes weeks to months to mature.

• Composting requires space for collection and decomposition.

• Some farmers need training on how to compost effectively and ensure the maintain proper balance of the organism in the compost

Innovations in Composting

• Compost turners and shredders are available for large-scale producers.

• Vermicomposting (using earthworms) speeds up decomposition and improves quality.

• Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made from steeping compost in water—useful for foliar feeding.