The table below gives some desired characteristics you should strive to
achieve in order to create an environment which will promote growth of
beneficial organisms and rapid composting.
Desired Characteristics of Raw Material Mixes
Characteristic
Reasonable Range
Preferred Range
Carbon/Nitrogen Ration (C:N)
20:1 - 40:1
25:1 - 30:1
Moisture Content
40 - 65%
50 - 60%
pH
5.5 - 9
6.5 - 8.5
Bulk Density (Pounds Per Cubic Yard)
Less than 1,100 (40 Pounds Per Cubic Foot
Characteristics of Common Livestock Manures
The table below gives some useful characteristics of common livestock manures. C:N ratio indicate the degree to which you might need to add high-carbon materials. Moisture content may influence the type of high-carbon materials you might choose to add.
Characteristics of Manure
Animal
%N: Dry Weight
C:N Ratio: Weight to Weight
Moisture Content %: Wet Weight
Bulk Density: Pounds Per Cubic Yard
Horse
1.6
30
72
1,379
Beef Cattle
2.4
19
81
1,458
Dairy Cattle
3.2
15.5
81
Sheep
2.7
16
69
Swine
3.1
14
80
Laying Hens
8.0
6
69
1,479
Production of Fresh Manure by Different Animals
The following information can be used to estimate the volumes of livestock waste generated at your site. From this you can estimate the need for high-carbon materials to mix and the approximate size of the area needed for processing.
Production & Characteristics of Fresh Manure Per Day*