This spring I got a truck load of compost from the city. It was dusty and had a strong smell of manure. I put some down on my flower beds and a boat load on my garden beds that I was preparing for a "no dig" garden for next yr. Did not plant this yr so I figured I had a yr to water it an and it would penetrate the soil below. I'm noticing that my flower gardens aren't doing so well this summer and when I dig down in my veggie beds, I'm not seeing life form until I get to the original soil. It's been 4 months. I should also note that about 5 days after I put it on, there was a layer of ash where I put it on thick, about an inch down and in my remaining pile. I turned it and watered it in and continued watering all summer. I also put down straw. My concern is that next yrs crop will be affected by this bad compost. Should I remove it or trust that in 8 months it'll be ok to plant? Help!