Manure, in its most basic definition, is an organic material derived from animal faeces and their decomposing corpses that is used to improve soil quality and increase crop output.

What is Manure?

Plants and animals are introduced to the soil in agricultural land as they die and their bodies begin to disintegrate in order to boost crop yield. The decomposing carcasses operate as a natural fertiliser that is also incredibly cost-effective. Farmers also employ human and animal excreta as manure, as well as cattle manure, which is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other vital nutrients that improve soil quality.

Manure can be found in a variety of places. The following are the several sources of manure:

1. Biodegradable materials such as cattle dung, urine, and biogas plant slurry.
2. Human urine, night soil, sludge, sewage, and domestic garbage are examples of waste products from human living.
3. Livestock faeces, such as goat and sheep faeces
4. Bones, flesh, horn and hoof meal, fish waste, and other trash obtained from slaughterhouses.
5. Agricultural industry by-products
6. Waste from agriculture
7. Weeds, water hyacinth, and other weeds

Types of Manure

Farmyard manure, Green manure, and Compost manure are the three types of manure. The following are the several forms of manure used by farmers:

Green Manure

Green manure is a type of organic fertiliser that helps to reduce weeds and prevent soil erosion by increasing the percentage of organic matter in the soil.

Farmyard Manure

It improves the structure of the soil and is used as a natural fertiliser in agriculture. Farmyard manure expands the soil’s capacity to hold more water and minerals.

Compost Manure

It helps to improve the soil structure and water retention capacity. As a result, the plants’ health will improve.

Advantages of Manure

• These are high in macronutrients and micronutrients.
• Aids in the improvement of soil fertility.
• It’s a very cost-effective way to boost yield.
• Soil erosion and leaching are prevented.
• Aerates the soil and improves its physical characteristics.
• Improves the soil’s water and nutrient retention capacity.
• It is really simple to transport.

How Manure Affects the Soil

Proper application is essential for maximising the benefits of manure compost in the garden. Mixing manure with compost is one of the most effective ways to use it as a plant fertiliser. The possibility of burning the plants is eliminated when manure is composted. Another alternative is to till it into the soil in the fall or winter before planting in the spring. In general, the optimum time to utilise manure in the garden is in the fall. This gives the manure plenty of time to break down, reducing the risk of burning plants in the garden. On its own, well-aged manure is an excellent fertiliser for garden plants. Depending on where you reside, almost any type of manure can be used, though some manures are better than others. Using cat or dog excrement, on the other hand, is not advised. These sorts of manures should not be used in the garden or compost pile since they are likely to contain parasites. The most prevalent types of manure fertiliser are horse, cow, and chicken manure. Some individuals also utilise manure from sheep and rabbits. While most varieties of manure are available for purchase at garden centres, you can often find farmers or horse owners who are willing to give it away. 

The Effects of Manure on the Soil 

Manure has good impacts on the soil as well. Nutrients are released as manure is absorbed by the soil. This improves the soil, which benefits the plants. The ability to condition the soil is the most important benefit of utilising manure in the garden. Mixing manure with sandy soils, for example, aids in moisture retention. When you add manure to compacted soil, it helps to loosen it up. Manure increases soil carbon, which is an important source of energy that allows plants to access nutrients. Reduced runoff and nitrate leaching in the soil are two more advantages of manure.

Using Composted Manure as Mulch 

Manure is a slow-release plant fertiliser that delivers little amounts of nutrients over a long period of time. As a result, it is a suitable mulch for plants. Make sure it’s not fresh dung, though. Fresh manure is too powerful for plants because it contains too much nitrogen, which might cause the plants to burn. In addition, some manure fertilisers contain urine, which is strong in nitrogen as well. Too much nitrogen in the soil can be harmful to plants. The advantages of manure as a plant fertiliser, as well as its effects on the soil, make its usage in the garden worthwhile.

Conclusion

Manure is high in organic matter and humus, which aids in soil fertility improvement. These organic materials are beneficial to the soil and do not harm natural resources. It is a renewable resource that provides nutrients to the soil.