What is it?

Composting for agricultural lands includes utilizing manure from livestock, excess plant materials from crop harvests, and animal mortalities. Composting in urban or residential areas can include lawn clippings, trimmed branches, vegetable and food waste, and even pet waste. The manure or plant material is converted into useable organic material and nutrients through a variety of composting methods. The composted material can then be applied to fields, patures, or gardens to supplement soil nutrients and organic material and increase water infiltration.

(photo from Washington State University)

Conservation Benefits

• Reduces the amount of nutrients and organic matter entering streams
• Reduces the amount of fertilizer needed in fields or pastures

What does it include?

Composting initially involves picking an appropriate site on the ranch, farm, or property. Sites should not be located in low lying areas near streams or along natural drainage ways. Composting methods include turning, active aeration, passive aeration, static piles, in-vessel, and vermicomposting. Determining the method of composting will depend on materials to be composted, turnover time needed, and location in the state (climate considerations).