Compost vs. Manure — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
Compost is decomposed organic matter used to enrich soil, while manure is animal waste used as fertilizer. Compost is more balanced in nutrients, whereas manure is richer in nitrogen.
Difference Between Compost and Manure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Compost is created by decomposing organic matter such as food scraps and plant material, resulting in a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Manure, on the other hand, is animal feces used as a natural fertilizer, often containing higher levels of nitrogen.
Compost improves soil structure and enhances its water retention capacity. Manure also improves soil structure but can sometimes lead to an excess of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which can harm plants if not properly managed.
Compost is often made from a diverse mix of organic materials, leading to a well-balanced nutrient profile. Manure typically comes from a single source (e.g., cows, horses), which can lead to nutrient imbalances if not supplemented with other soil amendments.
Compost tends to be less odorous and more pleasant to handle compared to manure, which can have a strong odor and requires careful handling to avoid pathogens.
Composting is a process that can be done by individuals at home using kitchen and garden waste. Manure is generally sourced from farms or livestock facilities, requiring access to animals.
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Compost must go through a proper composting process to kill pathogens and weed seeds. Manure also needs to be aged or composted to reduce the risk of transmitting diseases and to decrease its high nitrogen content.
Comparison Chart
Source
Decomposed organic matter
Animal waste
Nutrient Profile
Balanced, varies based on ingredients
High in nitrogen, varies by animal type
Odor
Mild, earthy
Strong, pungent
Application
Home and commercial gardening
Primarily agricultural use
Pathogen Control
Needs proper composting to sanitize
Needs aging or composting to sanitize
Compare with Definitions
Compost
Organic matter that has been broken down by microorganisms.
Compost enriches the soil with nutrients.
Manure
Waste material from animals.
Horse manure can be composted for garden use.
Compost
A mixture of decayed plants and food scraps.
She started a compost pile in her backyard.
Manure
A traditional soil amendment for crop production.
Manure provides essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Compost
A natural fertilizer created from recycled plant materials.
They used compost to boost their vegetable garden’s growth.
Manure
A natural source of nutrients for plants.
Manure is often used in organic farming.
Compost
Compost is a mixture of ingredients used to fertilize and improve the soil. It is commonly prepared by decomposing plant and food waste and recycling organic materials.
Manure
Organic fertilizer derived from livestock waste.
Manure helps improve soil structure and fertility.
Compost
A mixture of organic matter, as from leaves and manure, that has decayed or has been digested by organisms, used to improve soil structure and provide nutrients.
Manure
Manure is organic matter that is used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Most manure consists of animal feces; other sources include compost and green manure.
Compost
To convert (vegetable matter) to compost.
Manure
Animal dung used for fertilizing land
Plenty of fully rotted horse manure can be dug in this fall
Compost
To fertilize with compost.
Manure
Apply manure to (land)
The ground should be well dug and manured
Compost
The decayed remains of organic matter that has rotted into a natural fertilizer.
Dig plenty of compost into clay or sandy soil to improve its structure.
Manure
The dung of livestock or poultry.
Compost
(UK) A medium in which one can cultivate plants.
Once the seed tray is filled with compost, insert the seeds spaced 3 cm apart from one another.
Manure
Such dung, or other organic or chemical material, used to fertilize soil.
Compost
(obsolete) A mixture; a compound.
Manure
To fertilize (soil) by applying material such as animal dung.
Compost
To produce compost, let organic matter decay into fertilizer.
If you compost your grass clippings, you can improve your soil.
Manure
To cultivate by manual labor; to till; hence, to develop by culture.
Compost
A mixture; a compound.
A sad compost of more bitter than sweet.
Manure
To apply manure (as fertilizer or soil improver).
The farmer manured his fallow field.
Compost
A mixture for fertilizing land; esp., a composition of various substances (as muck, mold, lime, and stable manure) thoroughly mingled and decomposed, as in a compost heap.
And do not spread the compost on the weedsTo make them ranker.
Manure
Animal excrement, especially that of common domestic farm animals and when used as fertilizer. Generally speaking, from cows, horses, sheep, pigs and chickens.
Compost
To manure with compost.
Manure
Any fertilizing substance, whether of animal origin or not; fertiliser.
Compost
To mingle, as different fertilizing substances, in a mass where they will decompose and form into a compost.
Manure
(euphemism) Rubbish; nonsense; bullshit.
Compost
A mixture of decaying vegetation and manure; used as a fertilizer
Manure
To cultivate by manual labor; to till; hence, to develop by culture.
To whom we gave the strand for to manure.
Manure thyself then; to thyself be improved;And with vain, outward things be no more moved.
Compost
Convert to compost;
Compost organic debris
Manure
To apply manure to; to enrich, as land, by the application of a fertilizing substance.
The blood of English shall manure the ground.
Compost
Decomposed organic material used as fertilizer.
The gardener added compost to the soil to improve its fertility.
Manure
Any matter which makes land productive; a fertilizing substance.
Compost
An eco-friendly soil amendment.
Using compost helps reduce waste in landfills.
Manure
Any animal or plant material used to fertilize land especially animal excreta usually with litter material
Manure
Spread manure, as for fertilization
Manure
Animal dung used to enrich soil.
The farmer spread cow manure on the fields.
Common Curiosities
Which is better for a home garden, compost or manure?
Compost is generally better for home gardens due to its balanced nutrients and milder odor.
What is manure?
Manure is animal waste used as a natural fertilizer for soil.
Is manure safe to use in vegetable gardens?
Aged or composted manure is safe, but fresh manure can contain pathogens.
Does compost smell?
Properly managed compost has a mild, earthy smell.
Can kitchen scraps be used for compost?
Yes, most kitchen scraps like vegetable peels and coffee grounds are ideal for composting.
Can compost and manure be used together?
Yes, using both can provide a more comprehensive nutrient profile for the soil.
Is composting environmentally friendly?
Yes, composting reduces waste and recycles nutrients back into the soil.
How do you apply compost to a garden?
Compost can be mixed into the soil or used as a top dressing.
What is compost?
Compost is decomposed organic matter used to improve soil quality.
How long does it take to make compost?
Compost can take a few months to a year to fully decompose, depending on conditions.
What animals are commonly used for manure?
Common sources include cows, horses, chickens, and sheep.
Is manure high in nitrogen?
Yes, manure typically has high nitrogen content, especially from poultry.
Does manure need to be aged?
Yes, aging or composting manure reduces the risk of pathogens and high nitrogen levels.
Can compost improve soil water retention?
Yes, compost improves soil structure and increases its water-holding capacity.
Is fresh manure harmful to plants?
Fresh manure can burn plants due to high nitrogen content and may contain pathogens.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
