Tricky problem. I've got a dead lawn with compacted soil over an existing sprinkler system (don't ask...). I have spread 1-2" of well composted cow manure over the worst area (about 700 sq ft) I can't really dig this in by hand. Can I plant grass seed directly on the surface layer of compost? Some grass is poking up, already benefitting from the manure. Much is just dead. I could also rototil in at about 1-2", but that seems lame and will leave me with a huge rake job after.

Help. I'm really stumped on this one and have a little vacation time to handle this.

thanks!