Compost vs. Manure
- karinlum
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
Composting Garden Waste: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Comparison to Animal Manure Inputs
Composting garden waste is the process of aerobically decomposing plant residues—like leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable kitchen scraps—into a nutrient-rich amendment for soil. It closes the nutrient loop in your garden while diverting organic material from landfills.
Benefits of Composting Garden Waste
Keeps organic waste out of landfills, cutting methane emissions by promoting aerobic decomposition.
Turns garden waste into a living soil amendment that boosts plant health and growth.
Saves money by reducing or eliminating the need for purchased manure and premium soil mixes.
Enhances soil biodiversity, supporting beneficial microbes, fungi, and insects.
Improves soil structure, water retention, and erosion resistance, leading to stronger root systems.
Drawbacks of Composting Garden Waste
Can attract pests if greens-to-browns balance or aeration is mismanaged.
May produce off-odors when too wet or rich in nitrogenous scraps.
Requires regular attention—turning, moisture checks, and feedstock balancing—to keep the process on track.
Takes up space.
Sensitive to weather extremes: rain can waterlog a pile, and cold snaps slow decomposition.
Composting Styles: Compost Pile vs Lasagne Gardening
Compost Pile
A traditional compost pile involves alternating “green” (nitrogen-rich) and “brown” (carbon-rich) layers in an open or enclosed bin. Regular turning introduces oxygen, accelerating breakdown and producing finished compost in as little as 2–4 months under hot-compost conditions. This method gives you control over temperature, moisture, and pest management.
Lasagne Gardening
Lasagne gardening (or sheet composting) is a no-dig, no-turn approach that builds beds by layering cardboard or newspaper, then alternating brown and green materials directly on the ground or in a raised-bed frame. Over time (typically six months), the layers decompose into a nutrient-dense growing medium with minimal effort and fewer weeds. You can plant immediately by topping the sheeted layers with a thin layer of finished compost. However, newspaper and Cardboard are not permitted inputs in our gardens. Straw and dried tree leaves are a suitable substitute for cardboard and newspaper.
Compost vs Animal Manure as Soil Inputs
Compost and animal manures both enrich soil but differ in stability, nutrient release, and risk profile:
Stability and Pathogens
• Compost is a stabilized product with low pathogen and weed-seed risk.
• Raw manure may carry pathogens and viable weed seeds unless properly aged or composted.
Nutrient Release
• Compost releases roughly 60% of its nutrients in the first year as organic matter continues to break down.
• Manure typically releases closer to 30% in year one, with higher immediate nitrogen availability but greater leaching potential.
Soil Structure
• Compost excels at improving soil aggregation, water retention, and aeration.
• Manure adds organic matter but can compact soil if over-applied when fresh.
Typical NPK of Garden Compost and Manure Comparison
Input Type | Nitrogen (N %) | Phosphorus (P %) | Potassium (K %) |
Average Compost | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
Cow Manure | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
Chicken Manure | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.5 |
Sheep Manure | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.9 |
Average compost NPK is roughly 1-1-1, reflecting its balanced, slow-release nature. Manures vary by animal source and tend to deliver higher nitrogen percentages but carry more management considerations.
Composting garden waste offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to boost soil health, sequester carbon, and improve plant vigour. Traditional compost piles and lasagne gardens each have their place depending on space, effort, and timing. When compared to animal manures, compost is more stable, safer, and better at building long-term soil structure, while manures can supply a quick-acting nitrogen punch if handled properly. Both amendments have strengths—combining them can deliver the best of steady nutrient release, improved soil texture, and robust microbial activity.
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