Compost vs Manure: Which Is Better for Your Garden Soil?

Clemson Cooperative Extension: CompostingWikipedia: Manure
Verdict

Finished compost is safer and more versatile. Use it anytime as mulch, soil amendment, or potting mix ingredient. Well-aged manure is higher in nutrients but requires careful timing around food crops. Use compost for convenience and safety, manure when you need more nitrogen on a budget.

How Do Compost and Manure Compare?

Compost wins 3 of 5 categories. The breakdown below covers safety for food crops, nitrogen content, weed seeds, odor, availability.

FactorCompostManure
Safety for Food Crops
Properly made compost reaches temperatures that kill pathogens. Manure must be aged 120 days minimum before harvest
9
5
Nitrogen Content
Fresh manure is significantly higher in nitrogen. Composting reduces nitrogen through the decomposition process
5
8
Weed Seeds
Hot composting kills weed seeds. Manure, especially from hay-fed animals, often introduces weeds into the garden
8
4
Odor
Finished compost has a pleasant earthy smell. Even aged manure has a noticeable odor
8
3
Availability
Manure is widely available free from farms. Compost requires time to make or money to buy
7
8

When Should You Choose Compost?

Choose Compost when you prioritize safety for food crops, weed seeds, odor. Properly made compost reaches temperatures that kill pathogens. Manure must be aged 120 days minimum before harvest

  • Safety for Food Crops: Properly made compost reaches temperatures that kill pathogens. Manure must be aged 120 days minimum before harvest
  • Weed Seeds: Hot composting kills weed seeds. Manure, especially from hay-fed animals, often introduces weeds into the garden
  • Odor: Finished compost has a pleasant earthy smell. Even aged manure has a noticeable odor

Learn more about Compost

When Should You Choose Manure?

Choose Manure when you prioritize nitrogen content, availability. Fresh manure is significantly higher in nitrogen. Composting reduces nitrogen through the decomposition process

  • Nitrogen Content: Fresh manure is significantly higher in nitrogen. Composting reduces nitrogen through the decomposition process
  • Availability: Manure is widely available free from farms. Compost requires time to make or money to buy

Learn more about Manure

Sources

Source:Clemson Cooperative Extension: CompostingSource:Wikipedia: Manure

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