We assume the high temperature sensitivity of the
decomposition intensity of manure as indicated by the CO2
emission rates to be the driving force behind this observation. At
5 C and low decomposition intensity, the manure seems to be
involved in the formation of macro-aggregates but in the course of
rising temperatures these binding agents are easily utilized by
microorganisms. This might be a result of lower amounts of easily
available carbon in the manure than in the slurry due to the straw
content of the manure.