What I Learned about Goat Manure That Saved My Garden Budget

If you’re a gardener, you know that it can be pretty expensive to purchase truck loads of compost to get your garden started. I don’t even want to think about how much I’ve spent on compost for my gardens.

Add to that the cost of bags of fertilizer - full of vital nutrition for plant health, but pricey. I’ve noticed that organic fertilizer is often more expensive.

But check this out - once composted, goat manure contains a NPK rating of 2-.5-3. That "3" is for potassium, which goat urine happens to have in high numbers. Potassium is a necessary plant nutrient that is difficult to come by without environmentally destructive mining (Batubara et. al).

When goat waste is mixed with organic straw bedding, it can be composted into a cost-effective and sustainable garden addition. You can use it to top up your raised beds, or start new in-ground rows.

For me as a goat owner, this is huge.

Even if you’re just curious about eco-friendly gardening and don't have the entertainment of goats in your backyard, it’s likely that there is a farm nearby that has plenty of goat manure to offer you.

This nutrient-dense, cost-effective “waste product” is a huge asset to closed-loop farming and permaculture enthusiasts.

My journey with goat manure has had its fair share of surprises and valuable lessons. I started my goat-rearing adventure aiming for both milk production and gardens enriched their manure. But I came upon an early hurdle. The straw bedding I used was, unbeknownst to me, contaminated with Grazon, a persistent herbicide. My hear sank when I realized this.

This made my composting efforts seem futile—a real eye-opener about the importance of sustainable sourcing.

Fortunately, I found a solution through a local farm who grows spray-free hay and straw. Thank goodness! This shift enabled me to produce our first truly "no spray" compost last year! Here’s what I noticed and learned in the process.

Test + Comparison: Seeing the Benefits

This past summer, my goat manure with spray-free bedding was finally composted and had rested for one full year.

Curious to see if my hard work would pay off, I decided to test the efficacy of our goat manure compost against our standard beds, which were made with commercial compost.

The garden was like my own little laboratory. I’d check the soil with a close eye, waiting for any sign of seeds sprouting. Then, the real observation happened - I was on a mission to see if our goat compost could truly outperform store-bought options.

The Experiment Set-Up:

Layout of Test Beds:

1. Experimental Bed: I created a new 50-foot-long garden bed using 100% of our composted goat manure bedding.
2. Control Bed: I utilized a pre-existing garden bed that was made with commercial compost. The source was municipal yard waste.

Cultivation Conditions:

1. Crop Selection: I planted both beds with identical varieties of turnips (Brassica rapa) and Oregon peas (Pisum sativum). Peas are really sensitive to grazon herbicide, whereas I’ve noticed that brassicas don’t mind it much.
2. Environmental Consistency: I did my best to make sure each bed received equal sunlight, watering, and protection from pests to isolate the variable of compost type.

The morning I spotted the first tiny green turnip shoots breaking through the new bed, I literally squealed with glee. Then, a few days later, I actually jumped up and down at the biggest achievement - the peas - which are vey sensitive to Grazon - were germinating! It seemed like I was on the right track towards a more closed-loop system in my own backyard.

The Results: Observations and Analysis

Germination Rate:

• I saw that plants in the goat manure compost germinated first overall. It also seemed like more of the seeds germinated in comparison to the control bed.

Growth Performance:

• Turnips: Displayed enhanced growth characteristics in the goat manure bed, with significantly larger root systems. I attribute this to the high organic matter content, softer soil conditions, and nitrogen availability.
• Peas: Thrived in the goat compost, showing extended blooming and fruiting periods. I think this is likely due to better soil aeration and microbial activity.

Yield Comparison:

• The goat manure compost bed outperformed in yield, producing turnips and peas of superior size and quality. The number of pea pods per plant was around twice as much in the bed made from composted manure. This highlighted its effectiveness in enhancing soil fertility and health sustainably.

My Step-by-Step Guide to Composting Goat Manure

Composting manure transforms waste into rich, garden-nourishing gold. Here's how you can master it with a simple three-bin system.

Step 1: Collection and Stacking

Tools and Materials:

• Pitchfork
• wheelbarrow
• Manure
• organic bedding (straw)

Process:

• Begin by collecting goat manure and bedding. I use a pitchfork to scoop it into a wheelbarrow - it’s way easier than using a shovel for the most part.
• I’ve found a flat shovel can come in handy for scraping the bottom of the stalls though.
• Transport it to your compost bins.
• Stack the materials in one of the bins.
• Make sure there is enough bedding or brown material layered in with the goat poop.
• Keep the pile moist to aid decomposition. I routinely dump water from my goats’ buckets at the end of the day into the compost pile.

The sight of the pile growing - and then breaking down - brings a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

Step 2: Turning and Aerating

Why It's Important:

• Aeration accelerates the breakdown process by supplying oxygen, crucial for microbial activity.

Technique:

• Regularly turn the pile using your pitchfork.
• I find it’s easiest to move the contents from one bin to the next.
• If all bins are occupied, I will either turn the pile as best as I can in the bin, or take the pile out of the bin and use a pitchfork to put it back in again, aerating as I go.
• Aim to turn the pile once a week while it’s breaking down, or more often if you want to speed up the process.

On chilly mornings, seeing steam rise from the pile is always exciting. In the autumn, it adds a bit of a Halloween ambience organically, like watching your very own cauldron of garden goodness brew.

Step 3: Resting and Curing

Patience Pays Off:

• Allow the compost to sit and mature.
• To make sure everything is broken down fully, we let the compost rest for a year.
• Your results can vary, depending on your climate and compost content.

What to Look For:

• A rich, earthy smell and dark, crumbly texture indicate that your compost is ready for use.

Discovering that the perfect balance of "greens" (manure) and "browns" (straw bedding) is just inherently a part of the goat keeping process was such a relief! I like when things are simple and I don’t need to overthink this ratio.

Additional Tips for Success

• Balanced Ingredients: A study from Scientific African found that mixing goat manure with vegetable food waste gives the best results in terms of nutrient density and maturity of the compost.  They found the best ratio was 75-50% green waste to 25%-50% manure.
• Monitor Moisture and Temperature: Keep the pile damp but not soggy; optimal composting occurs between 130°F and 150°F (55°C to 65°C).

Guiding Principles for Best Practices:

A research paper published in 2023 in Pastoralism looked at the way that goat manure could benefit agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. The sustainable best practices they outline is applicable to gardeners everywhere.

Care for Waterways:

• Make sure that the manure is stored in a way where it does not runoff and leach into waterways.
• Time the application of manure during dry periods - avoid application before heavy rain - to reduce runoff potential.
• Make sure the compost is fully processed. Partially decomposed manure can harm local ecosystems.

Reduce Pathogens:

• Fully composting goat manure is a good way to both stabilize nutirents and reduce the amount of pathogens that can occur in goat poop.
• Be sure to turn the compost pile regularly so that it’s fully aerated to help it break down fully.
• Temperatures of 131F or higher for several days are necessary to kill off harmful pathogens.

Improve the Composting Process:

• Mixing manure with other organic materials, such as crop residues, straw, or goat bedding, can help make the composting process more efficient.

The Scientific and Ecological Impact of Goat Manure

Goat manure has been a part of gardening and agriculture since agricultural ancestors milennia ago. This approach is naturally steeped in ecological wisdom, resource availability, and scientific understanding.

Let’s explore why goat manure is an indispensable asset for sustainable agriculture and soil health.

1. Nutrient Composition and Soil Enrichment

Key Nutrients:

• Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen in goat manure supports leafy growth in plants, crucial for their early development stages. Crops like brassicas, alliums, and cucurbits especially benefit from this nutrient. As if it couldn’t get any better, manure nitrogen is naturally slow-releasing, so it is less likely to runoff and leach into water ways.
• Phosphorus (P): Vital for photosynthesis, phosphorus aids in root development and flower/fruit production.
• Potassium (K): Potassium enhances overall plant health and helps with fruit development.
• Other Nutrients: Goat manure also contributes significant amounts of calcium and magnesium to the soil, both important nutrients for plant growth and health.
• Overall Soil Quality: The organic matter levels of manure enhances the quality of the soil. It helps soil to have better water absorption and reduces erosion, too.

Sources: Mbatha, K.C. et. al, Effect of Poultry and Goat Manures on the Nutrient Content of Sesamum alatum Leafy Vegetables. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11; Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community;

2. Environmental Benefits and Carbon Footprint Reduction

Decreased Reliance on Chemical Fertilizers:

• Synthetic fertilizers are environmentally harmful. They can acidify the soil and pollute waterways. Moreover, they’re frequently sourced from petrochemicals, and do not nourish the relationship between plants and the soil microbiota.
• By substituting synthetic fertilizer with goat manure, farmers can minimize these detrimental impacts and foster a healthier ecosystem.

Greenhouse Gas Levels:

• The organic matter in goat manure contributes to carbon sequestration in the soil.
• More carbon in the soil boosts the fertility of the soil. This is because carbon is a food source for beneficial soil microbes.
• Composted manure also means less methane is emitted from the goat waste

Sources: Teaming with Microbes; Gross, A., Glaser, B. Meta-analysis on how manure application changes soil organic carbon storage. Sci Rep 11, 5516 (2021); Dept. of Primary Industries and Regional Development; Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community;

3. Integration into Permaculture and Closed-Loop Systems

Circular Economy:

• Goat manure exemplifies the principles of a circular economy in agriculture.
• Even if you don’t have your own goats, it’s likely that there’s a farm with goats nearby.

Community and Economic Impact:

• Utilizing locally-sourced manure can bolster community resilience.
• You can reduce your dependency on external garden inputs while also supporting local farmers and livestock owners.

sources: Scientific African, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research,

4. Crop Nutrition and Yield Benefits

Study in Agronomy found that when goat manure was applied to quinoa varieties, the nutritional profile increased significant.

More protein:

• Goat manure helped grow quinoa crops with enhanced protein.
• In some instances, the protein content of the grain rose from a base level of 15% to over 22%!

Improved Fatty Acid Levels:

• There was also some benefit to certain fatty acid profiles.
• Potassium and calcium levels also increased in the quinoa, too.

Higher yields:

• Overall yields more than doubled at optimal manure doses.
• The base level was 2055 kg/hc, and goat manure caused the yield to sky rocket to 5365 kg/ha!

This means that farmers can leverage goat manure to improve crop yield and quality, particularly in regions with poor soil conditions.

When we integrate goat manure into our gardens, we contribute to a broader, more sustainable agricultural paradigm.

The science behind this simple yet powerful resource showcases its profound capacity to support ecosystems, enhance food security, and mitigate environmental challenges. It’s a step anyone can take towards ecological stewardship.

Economic Benefits

According to North Dakota State University, manure can reduce input costs significantly. While they looked at cow manure applications, the benefits can be extrapolated for goat manure, too.

They found the cost of each essential element - nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - to be 10 cents per nutrient per pound. Compared to synthetic nitrogen, which costs 55 cents per pound in bulk amounts, that's a 80% savings!

With phosphorus inputs going for $1.92 a pound when purchased in bulk, it makes manure even more valuable. That makes manure almost 95% less costly per pound.

These savings don't take into account the beneficial microbiota that is available in composted manure, and the value that adds to your garden.

This is a significant economic advantage to farmers looking to cut expenses while maintaining soil health.

Future Plans

As I reflect on this journey, I'm delighted by the way that nutrients can move around on our property. As the goats graze in our pasture, they transform our plants into nutrient-rich manure. Better than just mulching with grass clippings (although that’s great too!), we get to apply this enriched amendment onto our garden beds for improved yields and soil health.

Looking forward, I dream of expanding this practice. Imagine a homestead where every plot is fed by our own resources—a vision of true independence. With goat manure at the helm, I’m excited to see what new heights our garden can reach.

Goat Manure FAQ: Insights and Considerations

1. How do I know if my goat manure compost is ready to use?

Your compost pile isready once all the ingredients have broken down, and has a rich, earthy aroma. It should be crumbly, with few indicators of its past origins. It should not smell like poop.

These signs indicate the composting process is complete and your goat manure is now nutrient-rich soil food, ready to nourish your garden.

2. Can fresh goat manure be used directly in the garden?

Kind of like serving a dish with too much salt; it may overwhelm the flavors - fresh goat manure can be too nitrogen-rich. This can potentially "burn" your plants. Composting with bedding or other plant material is a critical step. When you allow the manure to break down, it becomes a balanced, plant-friendly amendment.

3. What are the common mistakes in composting goat manure?

Common missteps include using bedding contaminated with herbicides like Grazon, forgoing regular turning (aeration), and failing to maintain moisture. These factors that can stunt composting efficiency.

4. How long does it take to compost goat manure?

Depending on your climate, materials, and how frequently you turn the pile, expect the process to take from a few months to a full year. You can speed up the process with frequent aeration/turning of your pile.

5. Are there any specific crops that benefit more from goat manure compost?

Goat manure is a buffet of nutrients, and is especially beneficial for heavy feeders like cucurbits and brassicas. Since Its composted form boosts soil structure, it will eventually benefit root veggies too.

6. What are the potential environmental impacts of using goat manure?

Composting goat manure and using it in the garden is environmentally sustainable. Since it can be a substitute for chemical fertilizers, it reduces the ecological footprint of your garden. The added microbes and elevated soil health also mean that your garden has more opportunity for carbon sequestration, too.

7. What precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of pathogens in composted goat manure?

Safety is essential. It’s necessary to ensure your compost is healthy for your plants and you. Aim for compost temperatures high enough to destroy pathogens (130 degrees F+), and always avoid including manure from ill animals. Make sure your compost is fully broken down before you ad it to your garden.

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