Humus and compost specific weight: weight of 1 m³

The concept of “organic farming” is increasingly found in materials devoted to agricultural technologies. In such systems, farmers try to reduce dependence on mineral fertilizers and use organic sources of plant nutrition more actively, one of which is humus.

Humus is a loose, homogeneous, crumbly brown mass with an earthy aroma, without the smell of ammonia, obtained after the process of manure decomposition is complete. Manure preparation lasts for one and a half to two years under natural conditions. When the rotting process is complete, the weight of 1 m³ of humus, or compost, will be 500-800 kg.

What is humus, compost, useful for?

Quality humus is formed through the decomposition of organic matter with the participation of microorganisms. It contains nutrients available to plants, improves soil structure and helps retain moisture. Humus particles remain loose because air gaps remain between them. Adding humus to poor sandy and clay soils can improve their physical properties and plant nutrition, but the dosage should be selected with regard to the crop, soil composition and fertilizer quality.

Humus is recommended for use as mulch. Soil under such cover heats and cools more slowly, loses less moisture, and earthworms and beneficial microorganisms settle in its upper layers at the root level of garden plants, supplying plants with useful substances. In hot weather, humus mulch does not overheat and does not burn the root collar, thereby preventing plants from becoming infected with pathogens.

After watering or rain, the nutrients of humus, compost, gradually enter directly into the root area. Humus, compost, is used as part of the substrate when growing seedlings.

It should be noted that humus, compost, may have different characteristics and saturation with certain substances, and may affect plants and soil in different ways. These indicators depend on what manure the humus is prepared from. Cow manure, horse manure, small-ruminant manure and bird droppings are used. Important components are the feed the animals ate and the bedding. The bedding plays an important role in manure decomposition. Straw and peat absorb moisture, retain nitrogen compounds and prevent the development of volatile ammonia.

Preparing humus, compost

Under natural conditions, in a manure heap or in special boxes, manure collected with bedding becomes humus in 1.5-2 years. Readiness is determined visually, while the volume becomes 2-3 times smaller. If animal excrement is collected without bedding, or there is little bedding, it must be layered in boxes with straw or peat. It is advisable to cover the top with roofing felt or film so that rain does not wash out useful substances. To stimulate rotting, the mass should be moistened and turned with a pitchfork. A humus box should have openings for air access and drainage of excess moisture.

If only a small amount of fertilizer is needed, it can be bought packaged in specialized stores. The weight of humus, compost, in a bag may vary and ranges from 10 to 70 kg. The price of natural packaged fertilizers is significantly higher than bulk ones. If you want to save money, you can buy fresh manure directly from livestock farms and prepare humus yourself at your dacha or garden plot.