Loss of Nitrogen in Manure 339 



The compost heap, which is really an imperfectly 

 constructed niter-bed, derives much of its value from 

 the same nitrification processes. The various waste 

 materials of organic origin that enter into its compo- 

 sition, have their inert nitrogen gradually transformed 

 into nitrate. The application of material from an old 

 compost bed, or the application of well-rotted manure 

 is, therefore, equivalent to the application of nitrate. 



There is an important difference, however, between 

 the compost heap and the manure pile. The former 

 may be legitimately employed for the decomposition 

 of waste substances Hke brush, weeds, dead animals, 

 rags, leaves, and household refuse. The bacterial activi- 

 ties in it may be encouraged until the organic matter 

 has lost its structure, and until its nitrogen has been 

 changed into nitrate. 



The loss of humus-forming material, and the accom- 

 panying losses of greater or slighter quantities of nitro- 

 gen are not of great significance. On the other hand, 

 the organic matter in the manure must be considered 

 more or less of an asset in the maintenance of the soil 

 in proper mechanical condition. Its destruction in the 

 manure pile is, therefore, not to be encouraged. 



The statement made by Jethro Tull applies here. 

 "For every sort of dung," he said, "the longer time it 

 ferments without the ground, the less time it has to 

 ferment in it, and the weaker its ferment will be." When 

 the soil is properly supplied with moisture, the decay of 

 organic matter will proceed rapidly enough. Moreover, 

 nitrification in the soil will, as a rule, be less wasteful 

 of the nitrogen than in the manure pile. When the manure 



