Making compost from deep straw litter

Deep straw litter, commonly used in winter housing becomes a rich mixture of straw bedding, manure, and urine after a few months. It does compact and requires some hard work to loosen up. To get any benefit from this material it needs to be broken down. Thermophilic composting is a great way to start the process and some of the benefits are.

• Reduction or elimination of pathogens.

• Produces nutrient-rich humus

• Cuts down on transport costs by reducing the volumes that need to be moved.

• Supports sustainable soil improvement practices.

• Great food source for composting worms.

When composted and cured, this material becomes a valuable food source for compost worms. Worm castings are natural soil amendments, boosting microbiology, fertility and structure in gardens or fields.

1: Breaking up the compacted bedding with a rotovator.
The deep straw litter in this bay was chopped using a rotavator only. The work is physically demanding.

We use thermophilic composting by piling up the chopped bedding. Water is sprayed on any dry matter. The mix is high in nitrogen from manure and high in carbon from straw—creating a nearly ideal composting ratio. Temperatures between 55°C and 71°C are achieved within a couple of days.

2: Maintain moisture & air for ideal microbe activity.

The compost pile was turned once a week over the first three weeks. With the temperature reaching between 55°C & 71°C and being within that range for at least 5-6 days for each turn. The images below show the 2nd and 3rd turns. The compost had shrunk to about half its original volume by the third turn.

3: Curing the compost.

The first batch of compost is moved outside to cure and free up space in the barn. This will be the basic/bulk food source for the compost worms.