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How do compost and manure improve soil for organic farming?

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A row of cattle with brown and black coats eat feed from a long trough in a South African feedlot, separated by wooden fencing. — Feed Feedlot cattle eating grain in an intensive animal farm in South Africa.

In organic farming, where synthetic fertilizers are prohibited, manure and compost are essential for maintaining soil productivity and health.123

Benefits of Manure

Manure improves soil by providing essential plant nutrients, organic substances, and humus. Its primary benefits are often indirect:14
* Physical Structure: It enhances the soil's ability to absorb and store water, improves aeration, and helps prevent erosion from heavy rain.14
* Biological Activity: It favors the activities of soil organisms, which are vital for breaking down organic matter and transforming nutrients into bioavailable forms.45
* Moisture Retention: It slows surface water evaporation, acting effectively as a mulch.14

Benefits of Compost

Compost is primarily used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure rather than as a concentrated fertilizer.6
* Soil Architecture: It promotes better aggregation, pore spacing, and water storage, with maximum benefits typically realized after several years of consistent use.63
* Nutrient Management: Compost provides a slow-release source of nitrogen, which reduces leaching and ensures nutrient availability throughout the growing season.63
* Microbial Health: It adds beneficial microbes to the soil, supporting a healthy ecosystem for plant growth.3