Decomposing horse manure is essential in the alchemical process of digestion. A flask of substances is buried in dung. As if by magic the manure heats up, a natural process of decomposition and purification by bacteria and other microbes.
Microbial inhabitants start breaking down the complex organic compounds of the horse droppings. The breakdown process releases energy, which manifests as heat. The more vigorous the microbial activity, the higher the temperature within the manure pile.
The decomposition by bacteria and other microbes provides awareness of the hidden activity in the environment. The processes of alchemy are based in nature. Decay of horse manure can also yield insights into fields of microbiology, agriculture and more.
In the alchemical process of digestion, flask or vessel is buried in fresh horse poop. As the heat rises it cooks, fries, liquifies or brews the substance within, for various purposes or results.
Heat Formation in Decomposing Horse Manure
The decomposition of horse manure is an exothermic process. It releases heat as organic matter is broken down. This heat generation is primarily due to the metabolic activities of organisms like bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes.
When horse manure is piled into a heap, the internal temperature can rise significantly, often reaching up to 150°F (65°C) or more. The heat is produced during the breakdown of complex organic materials, like cellulose, lignin, and proteins, into simpler compounds.
As bacteria metabolize these materials, they release energy in the form of heat. A well-aerated pile can enhance this process, allowing oxygen to fuel aerobic bacteria, which thrive at higher temperatures and accelerate decomposition.
Mesophilic & Thermophilic Bacteria
The decomposition process is typically divided into two primary phases, categorized by the temperature preferences of the bacteria involved: mesophilic and thermophilic stages.
Mesophilic Bacteria
Mesophilic bacteria thrive at moderate temperatures, and usually start the decomposition process in horse manure. They break down simple sugars, proteins, and fats, releasing essential nutrients back into the environment.
Mesophilic bacteria enjoy moderate temperatures, usually between 68°F (20°C) and 113°F (45°C). They live throughout soil and are the first microbes to act on fresh horse manure. The bacteria play a significant role in the initial breakdown of organic material.
They convert it into simpler compounds such as organic acids, ammonia and carbon dioxide. The activities of mesophilic bacteria create ideal conditions for the subsequent thermophilic phase of decomposition, as their processes start to heat up the manure.
Thermophilic Bacteria
Once the temperature of the compost pile rises beyond approximately 113°F (45°C), heat-loving thermophilic bacteria are ready to roll. These organisms thrive in higher temperatures, sometimes exceeding 150°F (65°C). Such bacteria are extremophiles.
Thermophilic bacteria, such as those from the Bacillus and Thermus genera, excel at breaking down tough organic materials, including lignin and chitin. Their high metabolic rates contribute to the rapid decomposition process.
The ideal temperatures promote pathogen destruction, weed seed elimination, and nutrient release, making thermophilic bacteria essential. Once their job is done and the temperature drops, the process transitions back to mesophilic bacteria for a balanced and complete cycle.
Other Microbes Involved in the Decomposition of Manure
In addition to bacteria, other microorganisms such as fungi, actinomycetes, and protozoa are significant factors in the decomposition process of horse manure.
Fungi
Fungi, especially saprophytic fungi, are crucial contributors to the breakdown of organic matter. Their enzymes can decompose tough substances like lignin and cellulose, which bacteria can't easily digest. This capability allows fungi to break down complex materials, creating a nutrient-rich humus component.
Actinomycetes
Actinomycetes, a group of bacteria characterized by their filamentous structure, are important in the later stages of composting. They help decompose hard plant materials and further stabilize the heat source. They produce antibiotics to suppress harmful pathogens.
Protozoa
Protozoa are single-celled organisms who feed on bacteria, contributing to nutrient cycling in the decomposing material. By regulating bacterial populations, they help maintain a balance in the microbial community, promoting a healthy environment.
Protozoans clockwise from top left: Blepharisma japonicum, a ciliate; Giardia muris, a parasitic flagellate; Centropyxis aculeata, a testate (shelled) amoeba; Peridinium willei, a dinoflagellate; Chaos carolinense, a naked amoebozoan; Desmarella moniliformis, a choanoflagellate. Multiple credits exist for this pic.
Alchemy & the Process of Digestion
The decomposition of horse manure is a multi-stage process, beginning with the initial breakdown by mesophilic bacteria. This stage transitions into the thermophilic phase, where temperatures rise and decomposition accelerates.
The alchemist buries a flask, bottle or vessel in the decomposing manure. The heat sets off various processes in this little ecosystem.
As mesophilic bacteria initiate the breakdown of simple compounds, they create a fertile environment for proliferation of thermophilic bacteria. This shift in microbial population dynamics causes rise in temperature within the pile of manure.
Digestion can continue for a short or long time depending on its desired application. For short-term needs the heat of direct sunlight can also suffice.
As thermophilic bacteria go to work on the remaining organic matter, the heat generated accelerates the breakdown process. It eventually yields a dark, crumbly material teeming with nutrients.
As the pile starts to cool the alchemist may keep adding fresh manure to maintain steady heat. This is often the job of the student or apprentice of the alchemist, as well as the collection of horse manure in the first place.
If un-manipulated, compost enters the maturation phase, during which the thermophilic bacteria leave, and the remaining organic matter is further broken down by mesophilic bacteria and fungi. Larger organisms like worms or beetles also take part.
The end product of the natural fermentation process is nutrient-rich compost, the heat of which kills any pathogens and organic contaminants. Once this process runs its course, alchemists use the proceeds to nurture herbs, plants or fungi.
Horse manure compost can be used by anyone in gardens, farms and landscapes to improve soil health, enhance plant growth, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. Do not apply fresh manure to plants; it's too harsh, and must undergo the composting process first.
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