THE PRESERVATION OF MANURE 149 



of the manure pile ranges from 110 to 130 F. The 

 highest temperature is near the surface where fermen- 

 tation is most rapid. The temperature of fermenta- 

 tion may be sufficiently high, if the manure is mixed 

 with litter, to cause spontaneous combustion. 



1 88. Composting Manure May Improve Its Quality; 

 Composting manure so that leaching and rapid fer- 

 mentation do not take place may improve its quality, 

 making it more concentrated. Pound for pound, 

 composted manure is more concentrated than fresh 

 manure, because, if properly cared for, nearly all of 

 the nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash of the orig- 

 inal manure are obtained in a smaller bulk. A ton 

 of composted manure is obtained from about 2,800 

 pounds of stable manure. Composting is sometimes 

 resorted to in order to destroy obnoxious weed seeds. 



Fresh Composted 

 manure. manure. 



Per cent. Per cent. 



Nitrogen 0.50 0.60 



Phosphoric acid o. 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 accomplished best 

 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. 



189. Use of Preservatives. The use of preserva- 

 tives, as gypsum and kainit, has been recommended 



