I've also been wondering during this whole discussion about the "all horse manure compost". Obviously, straw or hay was mixed in stables with the manure, but just how pure is the manure? No idea here. But I've never known anyone to not mix manures with something else. Even fully rotted, could it be too manure-rich? Fine roots on a root structure that normally has large roots (like hosta) can be indicative of heavy soil and/or soil that is too rich. Looking closely at your root pic, Lynn, I'm not sure what has caused those fine rootlets, but it is a possibility.
Perhaps someone can educate me....
On a pile of such "just horse manure" how long does it take for things to grow on it, other than just weeds, I mean?
