PRESERVATION OF MANURE l6l 



Fresh Composted 



manure. manure. 



Per cent. Per cent. 



Nitrogen 0.50 0.60 



Phosphoric acid 0.28 0.39 



Potash 0.60 0.80 



In composting manure it should be the aim to in- 

 duce anaerobic fermentation by excluding the air and 

 retaining the water. This can be best accomplished 

 by using mixed manure and making a compact pile, 

 capable of shedding water. The compost pile should 

 be shaded to secure better conditions for fermentation. 

 If the pile becomes offensive a little earth on the sur- 

 face will absorb the odors. 



195. Use of Preservatives. — The use of preserva- 

 tives as gypsum and kainit have been recommended to 

 prevent fermentation losses. Opinions differ as to 

 their value. Moist gypsum, when it comes in contact 

 with ammonium carbonate, produces ammonium sul- 

 phate, a non-volatile compound, 



(NH ) CO -f CaSO = (NH ) SO -f CaCO . 



\ 4/2 3 ' 4 V 4/2 4 3 



Gypsum is used at the rate of about one-half pound 

 per day for each animal. 58 Experiments have shown 

 that it may prevent a loss of 5 per cent, of the nitro- 

 gen of horse manure. It may be safely sprinkled -in 

 the stalls as it has no action on the feet of animals. 

 When gypsum is used as a fertilizer it is very desira- 

 ble to use it in stables. It is not advisable to use 

 lime in any other form than the sulphate. Unslaked 



