[Boland]

Hi,

I've received a present of a load of horse manure mixed with sawdust - more sawdust than horse manure, is this compostable, i.e. does sawdust make good compost or should I just use it as a mulch?

Cheers

[michael brenock]

The sawdust will absorb quite a lot of the Nitrogen in the manure rendering it unavailable to the plants in the short term but eventually the nitrogen becomes available and the plant benefits from it. The sawdust helps the physical structure of the soil and helps to retain moisture in a sandy soil. It can also add trace elements.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[Boland]

Right, that's interesting, seeing as I have sandy soil that will be of great benefit.

Many thanks for the advice.