Farmer’s Use of Composted Manure on Crop Fields/Pastures Rather than Using Raw Manure   Composted Manure: Gives a slow release of nitrogen back to the soil and plant intake. Binds the P to compost particles, reducing Phosphorous runoff. Kills manure pathogens (bacteria) yet provides bacteria beneficial to soil. Kills weed seeds. Increases soil moisture retention in sandy soils. Adds porosity which provides moisture drainage for heavy clay soils. Aerates soil if worked into the topsoil. Increases water holding capacity - especially helpful in dry weather. Compost doesn't add any chemicals to soil as fertilizer does. Decreases future years requirement of herbicide chemical treatment. Decreases future years requirement of pesticide chemical treatment. Decreases future years fertilizer requirements. Adds organic matter to soil, fertilizer does not.   Advantages of AG-BAG composting system: No weather or changes in weather conditions concerns. Control of odors produced from raw or lagoon manures & control of leachate (runoff) concerns. Less composting maintenance compared to any other method of composting.