Wood shaving manure

[Monika]

We have just had our annual manure delivery from a local farmer. It appears that he has changed from straw to wood shaving bedding. The manure is therefore easier to handle but how long will it take for the wood shavings to break down? We never use it fresh but store it in a big heap for about 10 months, covered with black polythene. Will that be long enough?

[peter]

Probably, it depends how thick the shavings are.

[Sandyback]

I asked a similar question in another tread, I look forward to reading the response!

[Westi]

We get that delivered at the allotment & I only used it once about 7 yrs ago & even now dig up bits of wood in perfect condition where I used it. I only use it as a mulch under the soft fruit now but only after leaving it for several months. There is usually some straw in amongst what we get delivered & I squirrel that away but takes ages to get a decent pile.

My plot neighbour puts it on all his beds during the winter but rakes it off & burns it each spring. His rationale is the manure aspect is washed into the soil or pulled down by the worms over the winter & it reduces the weeds so feels it is a win / win. He might be right -his crops look lush!

Westi

[Monika]

The "chips" are more shavings than "chips", hence my topic heading, so I am hoping that leaving them to rot for 10 months or so will do the trick. If not, we'll probably have to riddle them before use and burn the bigger stuff like your plot neighbour, Westi.

[PLUMPUDDING]

I add the shavings from my hen hut to the compost heap and, mixed with other waste material and a good amount of hen droppings they break down well in less than a year. I think that it will rot down faster if mixed with other materials than left as you get it.