Compost is a mixture of organic residues (manure, animal carcasses, straw, leaves, etc...) that have been piled, mixed and moistened to undergo thermophilic (high heat 120-160⁰F) decomposition. The high heat sterilizes pathogens and seed that have passed through the animal. Composting requires routine mechanical turning to introduce oxygen, which stimulates aerobic microorganisms to feed on the organic components and convert the pile to a fairly stable nutrient rich soil amendment.

Site Selection: Composting should take place on an area that drains well, and were runoff weill not reach waters of the state (Figure 1).

Composting Manure:

1. Pile manure mixture with carbon (C) to nitrogen (N) ratio of 20-40 on an appropriate site (Table 1).
2. Monitor temperatures (Figure 2). After a few days the temperature will raise and remain there for a few weeks (Figure 3).
3. Once the temperature falls below around 120⁰F the pile should be turned.
4. Temperatures and moisture should be monitored every few days. Once the temperature falls below 120⁰F turn the pile again. After 4 or 5 turns the manure should be composted.

Composting Animal Mortalities: This process is similar to composting manure, but there are a few differences.

1. Mortalities should be placed on 3 feet of bulking material. The bulking material should have a high C:N ratio like straw or sawdust (Table 1).
2. The mortalities should then be covered by another 2 feet of bulking material.
3. A minimum of 3 months should pass before turning the dead animal.
4. The pile should be monitored and turned 2 or 3 more times.
5. Once composted the pile should be pathogen free and bones break easily.