Cryptic crossword clue
18 is mostly manure and earth 1 of 3

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word COMPOSE

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
O
M
P
O
S
E

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The straight part
We know that "18" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case 18 = compose.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does COMPOSE mean?

COMPOSE verb
  1. To make something by merging parts.
  2. To make up the whole; to constitute.
  3. To comprise.
  4. To construct by mental labor; to think up; particularly, to produce or create a literary or musical work.
  5. (sometimes reflexive) To calm; to free from agitation.
  6. To arrange the elements of a photograph or other picture.
  7. To settle (an argument, dispute etc.); to come to a settlement.
  8. To arrange in proper form; to reduce to order; to put in proper state or condition.
  9. To arrange (types) in a composing stick for printing; to typeset.

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