What are the benefits of using composted manure?
“Compost fosters the biological processes in the soil. Its use is a major tool in the creation and preservation of soil fertility.” (Source: Grace Gershuny & Joseph Smillie, “The Soul of Soil, A Guide to Ecological Soil Management,” AgAccess, Davis, Calif., 1995.) “Nutrients that leave farm soils must be replaced if crop production is to remain abundant. (Nutrients assist photosynthesis—the plant’s use of light energy to transform carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds that give the plant its energy.) Organic wastes, many of which are rich in nutrients and organic matter, can be used to replenish soils. But the common practice in conventional agriculture is to rely primarily on manufactured fertilizer. . . . The acceptance of the ancient appreciation of organic material will be an important step toward building sustainable cities and farms.” (Source: Gary Gardner, “Recycling Organic Wastes,” STATE OF THE WORLD, 1998, Worldwatch Institute, W.W. Norton & CO., NY) What methods do
