How to Decompose Manure Faster

Place the manure in piles at least 3 feet high. If you have a tractor, build it up pyramid style with a base about 5 feet in diameter. Complete one pile before starting on the next. A more advanced method calls for a specially designed aeration system where a blower is connected to perforated pipes placed under the pile, which are preferably placed on a concrete base. Alternatively, place the manure in bins. The bins must have air holes in them to allow the hot air to escape and cooler air to take its place.

Wet the manure. The manure should be moist all the way through but not saturated. Cover the manure piles loosely with plastic to prevent the manure from getting too wet if it rains, but with enough space for airflow. If you are using bins, they must have drainage holes. Oxygen is needed for the decomposition to take place, and excessive water prevents oxygen from entering the manure.

Mix in an additive. Composting accelerators can be purchased at agricultural supply stores. They contain enzymes and bacteria specially formulated to speed up the composting process. Different formulas are needed depending upon the type of animal manure. Follow manufacturer's directions or apply some accelerator each time you add to the manure heap. Other benefits of manure additives include odor reduction, which may lead to fewer flies.

Turn the manure. Microorganisms in the manure cause it to decompose and the process generates heat. Turning it is the best way to aerate the manure and ensure that oxygen can get to the center of the pile and speed up the decomposition process. Turning also moves the outside manure to the inside, which helps all the material to decompose at the same rate and helps the high temperatures generated in the center to kill as many fly larvae as possible.