Crappy Compost

Compost is the process of breaking down organic material.  "Any factor which slows or halts microbial growth will also impede the composting process. Efficient decomposition will occur, if the following factors are used to fullest advantage." UNL Master Gardener
~Aeration
~Moisture
~Particle size
~Temperature
~Fertilizer
The microbes that eat the compost and break it down into usable soil to amend our gardens need nitrogen for their own growth.  They speed up or slow down based on the available nitrogen.  Grass clippings are higher in nitrogen and leaves have much less.  Manure can be added as "organic sources of nitrogen" and will help compost...decompose!

So grab some manure and stir it into your compost to make it more efficient!

Recommended layers:
1.  4-6 inches of brush and coarse material for air circulation.
2.  3-4 inches of grass clippings or hay.
3.  3-4 inches of leaves, straw or corn.
4.  1 inch of soil
5.  2-3 inches of animal manure
Make sure layer 2 and 3 are damp when adding them.

Materials with High Nitrogen Values (GREENS) (Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station, Bulletin 754, 1974.)  Highest to Lowest

Horse Manure with Litter
Horse Manure
Grass Clippings
Vegetable Wastes
Coffee Grounds
Cow Manure
Poultry Manure with Litter
Poultry Manure
Pig Manure