Manure composting is an aerobic biological process that transforms organic residues into stable compost. During the process, seeds are eliminated, impurities are reduced and organic matter is stabilized, improving its quality and agronomic value.

Organic matter composting is a biological process through which organic residues such as manure, plant residues or agricultural by-products are transformed into a stable material known as compost. This process is based on the activity of microorganisms that degrade organic matter in the presence of oxygen, producing heat, carbon dioxide, water and more stable organic compounds. The result is an organic amendment that provides stabilized organic matter and nutrients, helping to improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.

During composting, significant changes occur in the composition of organic matter. In the early stages, the most readily available compounds such as sugars, proteins and other soluble compounds are degraded. This intense microbial activity causes the temperature of the material to rise, often exceeding fifty or sixty degrees. As the process progresses, microorganisms begin to degrade more complex compounds and part of the carbon in the organic matter is released as carbon dioxide, while another part is reorganized into more stable structures that become part of the humic substances of mature compost.

For composting to develop properly it is essential to maintain aerobic conditions. The microorganisms responsible for decomposition require oxygen to efficiently metabolize organic matter, so it is necessary to avoid compaction of the material and carry out periodic turning to aerate the pile and homogenize the conditions of the process.

When the material remains too compact or has excess moisture, a lack of oxygen may occur and anaerobic processes may develop. Under these conditions decomposition is usually slower and compounds responsible for unpleasant odors, such as sulfides or ammonia, may be generated, resulting in material with a lower degree of stabilization.

During the composting process, especially in the thermophilic phase, natural sanitization of the material also occurs. Intense microbiological activity raises the temperature above 55–60 °C for several days, conditions that significantly reduce the presence of pathogenic microorganisms associated with manure as well as the viability of many weed seeds. For this effect to be effective it is important that the entire mass of compost reaches these temperatures, which is achieved through periodic turning of the piles.

Moisture content also changes significantly during the process. Fresh manure usually has high moisture levels, generally between 70% and 80%, depending on the type of livestock and manure management. During composting, microbial activity and temperature increase promote water evaporation and the gradual reduction of moisture. In mature compost, moisture levels usually range between 30–40%, indicating a more stable material that is easier to handle.

Composting can be carried out using different organic materials, although manure has characteristics that influence both the development of the process and the composition of the final compost:

Manures usually contain high microbiological activity and a relatively high proportion of nitrogen, as well as other nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients. This favors the rapid start of decomposition and allows compost to be obtained with a more balanced nutrient content. In contrast, plant materials such as pruning residues, straw or woody waste contain more structural carbon and have a higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, which slows their degradation and usually results in compost with lower nutrient concentrations.

For this reason, at Agricotec^® we use composted manure as the basis for the production of our organic fertilizers, as it provides a stable, homogeneous raw material with an agronomically suitable nutritional profile.

There are different ways to carry out composting depending on process management. In traditional systems, composting can develop naturally over long periods of time, sometimes exceeding one year. This slow composting allows a progressive transformation of organic matter and usually results in very stable materials. In more intensive systems, management techniques such as frequent turning, moisture control or aeration are used to accelerate the process and reduce the time required to obtain compost, although a subsequent maturation period is usually maintained to fully stabilize the material.

At Agricotec^® we are committed to natural and prolonged composting that allows the process to evolve fully and guarantees a stable raw material of high agronomic quality.

Once the composting process is finished, at Agricotec^® we carry out screening of the composted manure to improve the quality of the final product. This process removes impurities and materials that have not fully decomposed, such as wood fragments, stones or other elements that may have been incorporated during manure handling. It also provides a more homogeneous and finer texture, facilitating handling, storage and application.

Throughout the process, a diverse microbial community develops, mainly composed of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. In the initial stages, thermophilic microorganisms capable of degrading simple organic compounds at high temperatures predominate. Later, as the material begins to cool, microorganisms capable of degrading more complex compounds increase. This microbial succession is key to the transformation of organic matter and the formation of stable compost.

The incorporation of compost into soil not only provides organic matter and nutrients but also microorganisms that help stimulate biological activity. These microorganisms participate in processes such as the decomposition of organic residues, nutrient mineralization and the formation of stable aggregates that improve soil structure. As a result, compost promotes soils with greater biological activity, better structure and improved water retention capacity.

Overall, composting transforms organic residues into a valuable agricultural amendment, contributing to nutrient recycling and more sustainable management of organic matter.