Checking the Fertilizer Value of Your Compost

As the tulips and daffodils begin to pop out of the ground, we are reminded that spring will soon be upon us. Once the fields dry out we will soon be able to spread all that great compost we’ve been making all winter. Before spreading however, it is important to check on the fertilizer value of your compost. That is, how much nitrogen it does or doesn’t have. It is important to make sure your compost has a decent fertilizer value otherwise the compost you spread will not fertilize your fields. While compost low in nitrogen still has many benefits being on your field such as improving soil structure, providing other micronutrients, and improving drainage, in the spring you want to give your pasture all the help it needs to grow healthy and strong. This means feeding it the nitrogen it needs.
Horse manure compost is commonly low in nitrogen. To check the amount of nitrogen in your compost, purchase a simple soil test from your local garden centre or co-op and take a sample of your compost and follow the instructions in the test kit. If you find there is little to no nitrogen in your compost you will need to add some nitrogen sources to your system/pile and let it compost for a few more weeks. Adding green materials such as grass clippings can increase the nitrogen content. If you don’t have access to “greens” consider adding alfalfa cubes, or if you are not opposed to the chemical route, you can add a bit of nitrogen fertilizer.
It is especially important to check your nitrogen levels prior to spreading on your fields because compost low in nitrogen can actually strip the soil of any nitrogen that may be present in order for the compost to finish the degradation process. Not what you want! So in preparation for spring-time spreading, get out there and test your compost’s nitrogen level to ensure a lush, green pasture for your horses.