Introduction

What is Organic Manure?

Organic manure refers to decomposed animal waste, plant materials, and other organic matter that enriches garden soil and supports healthy plant growth. Common types of animal manure used in gardening and farming include cow manure, horse manure, chicken manure, and pig manure.

These manures can be fresh or composted, with properly composted manure being ideal for avoiding weed seeds and harmful pathogens. Organic materials like grass clippings, shredded leaves, and wood shavings are often added to compost piles to improve nutrient content.

Using organic manure, such as composted cow manure or aged horse manure, enhances soil structure, provides essential nutrients, and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

Why Consider Organic Manure for Your Garden or Farm?

Considering organic manure for your garden or farm offers numerous benefits. For instance, using composted cow manure, horse manure, and chicken manure enhances soil health by improving soil structure and increasing organic matter.

Organic manure, such as aged horse manure and composted animal manures, helps in building healthy garden soil, boosting plant growth, and ensuring long-term sustainability. It also reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which can lead to issues like too much nitrogen and harmful pathogens.

By incorporating a mix of organic materials, including grass clippings, wood shavings, and composted manure, you enrich your soil and promote a vibrant, productive vegetable garden or farm.

Understanding Organic Manure

What Makes Manure Organic?

What makes manure organic is its natural origin and the absence of synthetic chemicals. Organic manure, such as composted cow manure, horse manure, and chicken manure, is derived from animal waste and organic materials like grass clippings and straw bedding, which enhance soil structure and add valuable organic matter to garden soil.

Unlike synthetic fertilizers, which can introduce harmful chemicals and disrupt soil health, organic manure improves plant growth by providing a balanced supply of nutrients and promoting the development of beneficial microorganisms. Certification for organic manure requires adherence to standards that ensure the manure is free from synthetic additives and harmful pathogens, with proper composting to eliminate weed seeds and pathogens.

Thus, while not all manures are created equal, properly composted manure from sources like goat, pig, and sheep manure, or even home compost piles, meets these standards and supports sustainable gardening practices.

Types of Organic Manure

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the choices of composted manure when you flip through a fertilizer catalog? Or perhaps you've been offered a free truckload of manure from a neighbor but aren't sure if it's the best option for your garden. There are definite benefits and risks from each kind of manure–chicken, cow, horse, alpaca, sheep, rabbit, pig, and even elephant manures are as unique as the animals they come from.

Why Buy Organic Manure?

• Manure can vary up to 30% in their nutrient values even within one species due to factors such as diet, life stage (for example, growing cattle versus lactating cows), management and environmental differences, how much urine is collected with the manure (such as when it is collected with bedding materials), and even genetics.
• The biggest difference comes from diet: what goes in does come out. In fact, livestock typically excrete 50% and as much as 90% of the nutrients they're fed. So a horse that is only pastured on grass will have a much different manure (one that contains far less nutrients) than a horse that eats alfalfa hay and grain.
• Buying organic manure is particularly important for this reason. Many hay farmers treat their fields with broadleaf herbicides, and these can travel intact through the animals' digestive systems. If you use manure from animals fed conventionally grown feeds, the pesticides and herbicides used on those feeds will be excreted along with the good nutrients.

Consider the Salt Content of Manure

Another major difference is the amount of salt found in manure. All manure contains some salt, as a part of the body's natural metabolic process. But some animals, such as feedlot steers and dairy cows, are fed extra salts to encourage them to eat and drink more. Backyard livestock also often have access to a salt block. Generally these management practices do not result in a salty composted manure for your garden, because the salts will wash out during the composting process. However, if you are getting your manure from a local farm, it may have high salts if it is stored somewhere where the drainage is poor (preventing the salts from washing out) or if it has not been thoroughly aged or composted. If this is a risk, you will just need to finish the composting process yourself before applying the manure.

Is Your Animal Manure "Hot"?

One thing you should pay attention to regardless of the type of animal it comes from is whether the manure has been aged or composted. Aged manure has simply been piled up; over time the nitrogen turns to a gaseous form and leaves the manure. This will turn a “hot” manure – one that would burn your plants roots if applied fresh–to a “cool” manure that is safe for your garden. All manures except those from llamas, alpacas and cattle need to be aged at least six months before use to be properly cooled.

Composted Manure is Better

Composted manure has also been made “cool,” but with the additional benefit of having been heated by the composting process to kill pathogens such as e.coli, while at the same time culturing microbes that are good for your soil. For this reason, it is recommended even for naturally cool manures such as alpaca. Composting is also especially important for horse manure, and for any manure that comes from a weedy property. Horse's digestive system allows weed seeds to pass through unharmed, so composting can help kill most of these weeds before adding the manure to your garden. If you want to add raw manure (cool types) directly to the garden, a good rule of thumb is to add it at least 120 days before harvest of any vegetable that could potentially have contact with the soil (like root crops, leafy greens...). When in doubt, compost your animal manures first, even the "cool" ones.

Pros and Cons of Each Type of Manure

Chicken (and other fowl such as duck, goose, turkey, etc)

• Bird manures are very high in nutrients, especially nitrogen because urine is contained in the droppings.
• They are more acidic than most manure sources, so are particularly good for acid-loving plants.
• They also tend to be very hot, and will burn plants if applied fresh.
• Composting is highly recommended both to cool it and to reduce pathogen risk.
• Chicken manure will release most of its nutrients into the soil within the first year of application.
• Composted chicken manure such as Sup'r Green has an NPK of 3-2-2.

Cattle or Cow Manure

• Dairy cow manure is the most popular choice for cattle manure, since dairy cows are fed a nutrient rich diet and so produce an excellent quality manure.
• The NPK can vary greatly by the type of feed they're given, but is typically around 0.6-0.2-0.5.
• It is a cool manure, so it can be used fresh (but as with any manure, composting is still recommended to reduce the risk of pathogens).
• A good choice for dairy cow manure is our brand of cow manure compost.

Horse (and other equines)

• Horse manure is richer in nutrients than cow, but not as rich as chicken.
• It is borderline hot, but should be composted to kill off the weed seeds it usually contains.
• Horse manure typically has an NPK value of 0.7-0.3-0.6.

Sheep and Goat

• Sheep and goat manures are nearly identical.
• They are hot, dry, and very rich in nutrients.
• They typically have an NPK value of 0.7-0.3-0.9.
• They should be aged or composted before working into the soil.
• If collected with soiled bedding such as straw, they can be used fresh as a mulch around trees, vines and bushes where the manure can age while feeding the plants. However, even fresh manure mixed with bedding can burn more tender plants like annual veggies.

Llama and Alpaca

• Llama and alpaca manures, also called “beans,” are the same in terms of nutrients and benefits, with an NPK of 1.7-0.7-1.2.
• These manures are “cool” and can be used fresh on all but the most tender of plants.
• However, it is still recommended that they be composted first to reduce the risk of pathogens if using them in a vegetable garden.
• Because of how these critters' digestive systems function, their beans are virtually weed free.

Rabbit

• Rabbit manure is particularly high in nitrogen with an NPK of 2.4-1.4-0.6.
• Because rabbits don't produce very much manure, it is best used only for plants needing a nitrogen boost.
• To get the most out of the limited volume, soak the manure pellets in water and apply as a diluted liquid fertilizer.

Pig 

• Pig manure is also very hot, although it is less rich in nutrients than chicken manure.
• Like chicken manure, it has a low pH and is good for acid-loving plants.
• NPK values vary depending on whether it is collected from young feeder pigs or mature pigs, but is at least 0.5-0.3-0.5.
• It is also the wettest of livestock manures, and should be mixed in a 1:1 ratio with straw to compost it before use.

Elephant or Zoo Manure

• Zoo manure is an exotic choice for your veggies, and is now being offered by some zoos which collect and compost the nutrient rich material instead of sending it to the landfill.
• Depending on the zoo, it may contain other herbivorous manure as well, such as giraffe, rhinoceros or hippo.

Other Manures

• Any herbivorous animal's manure can be used in your garden, but it is a good idea to steer clear of manure that came from a meat-eater.
• Cat and dog poop, as well as human waste, contain very dangerous pathogens that can pose a significant health risk should you eat any veggies grown in it.

No matter which livestock or poultry manure you choose, they will all provide the benefits of organic matter, beneficial microbes, and essential nutrients for your soil. Whether it came from your yard, a neighbor's farm, or from our store, using manure is a great way to grow organic!

Comparing Different Types of Organic Manure

Nutrient Profiles: Which Manure is Rich in What?

Different types of manure offer varied nutrient profiles, making them suitable for specific plant needs. Chicken manure, for example, is high in nitrogen, which promotes vigorous plant growth but should be composted properly to avoid burning plants with raw manure.

Cow manure, including composted cow manure, is rich in organic matter and improves soil structure, making it ideal for enhancing garden soil and vegetable gardens. Horse manure, particularly aged horse manure, provides a balanced mix of nutrients and is excellent for soil amendment in raised beds and home compost piles.

Meanwhile, sheep manure and goat manure offer a good balance of nutrients for various plants, while pig manure and rabbit manure are also beneficial but should be used with care to avoid too much nitrogen and potential heavy metals.

Cost and Availability: What's Within Reach?

When it comes to cost and availability, various types of manure offer different options for gardeners and farmers. Organic manure, such as composted cow manure and aged horse manure, can be more expensive but is highly valued for its soil-improving properties and lower risk of harmful pathogens.

Chicken manure and other poultry litter are often cheaper but may need to be composted properly to avoid issues with too much nitrogen and potential burning of plants. Cow manure and sheep manure are generally more readily available and can be found through local farmers or agricultural suppliers, while pig manure and rabbit manure may be less accessible and sometimes pricier.

Overall, cost-effective options include using home compost piles and local sources of manure, ensuring that whatever type of manure you choose, it meets your garden’s needs and budget constraints.

Ease of Use and Application

Applying different types of manure requires understanding their unique characteristics and potential challenges. Fresh manure like fresh chicken manure and fresh cow manure should be composted before use to avoid issues with harmful pathogens and high nitrogen levels, which can burn plants.

Manure compost, including composted cow manure and goat manure, is easier to handle and apply, making it suitable for vegetable gardens and raised beds, as it improves soil structure and adds valuable organic material. For bagged manure and composted manures from sources like llama manure or agricultural manure, simply incorporate them into your garden soil or potting mix as per the instructions.

Challenges such as the presence of weed seeds or the potential for too much nitrogen can be mitigated by ensuring proper composting and using manure in moderation, especially in home gardens and community gardens. Proper application ensures that you reap the benefits of organic manures while minimizing problems associated with improper use.

Application Techniques and Best Practices

How to Prepare and Apply Manure Safely

To prepare and apply manure safely, start by properly composting animal manure to reduce pathogens and weed seeds. For fresh manure, such as fresh chicken manure or fresh cow manure, create a compost pile with organic material like wood chips and grass clippings to ensure effective decomposition and avoid burning plants.

Manure compost, including goat manure and bagged manure, should be well-aged before application to minimize nitrogen levels and potential harm to plants. When applying composted manures or agricultural manure to vegetable gardens or raised beds, use a layer of compost or mix it into the soil to improve soil structure and nutrient content.

Follow guidelines from organic farmers to ensure the safe use of manure, avoiding direct contact with plant material to prevent contamination of the food chain.

Seasonal Considerations: When to Apply Manure?

Seasonal timing is crucial for applying manure to maximize its benefits for your garden. The best times to use animal manure, such as manure compost or bagged manure, are in the fall or early spring.

Applying manure in the fall allows it to break down over winter, enriching the soil with organic material and nutrients by the time spring planting begins. For fresh manure, like fresh chicken manure and fresh cow manure, it’s important to allow time for composting in a compost pile to reduce nitrogen levels and avoid potential harm to plants.

In vegetable gardens and community gardens, adding composted manures and green manure before planting ensures that soil receives the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth.

Manure and Soil Health: Balancing the Nutrients

Using animal manure effectively can greatly enhance soil health by improving soil structure and adding valuable nutrients. Manure compost, such as composted cow manure or goat manure, enriches soil with organic material, enhancing water retention and promoting beneficial microbial activity.

However, it’s crucial to avoid nutrient overload by carefully balancing the application of manure to prevent excessive nitrogen, which can harm plants and lead to weed seeds in your garden. Incorporating composted manures into vegetable gardens or raised beds ensures that the soil receives a steady supply of other nutrients without overwhelming it.

Proper use of animal manures and own compost helps maintain healthy soil and supports robust plant growth while mitigating potential issues with harmful pathogens or excessive nutrients.

Potential Issues and How to Address Them

Managing Odor: Keeping Your Garden Fresh

Managing odor in your garden, especially when using animal manure, is essential for maintaining a pleasant environment. Common odor issues arise from fresh manure, such as fresh chicken manure and fresh cow manure, which can produce strong smells if not properly composted.

To minimize odors, incorporate manure compost and organic material into a compost pile with wood chips and green manure, which helps balance the nitrogen levels and accelerate decomposition. Additionally, using bagged manure or composted manures like goat manure and llama manure can help reduce odor compared to raw forms.

For best results, many gardeners recommend turning your compost regularly and applying manure during spring planting or before the growing season to allow time for any odors to dissipate.

Preventing Pathogen Spread: Safety First

Preventing the spread of pathogens is crucial when using animal manure in your garden. Fresh manure, such as fresh chicken manure and fresh cow manure, can contain harmful pathogens that may contaminate the food chain if not properly handled.

To ensure safety, it’s essential to use composted manures, like manure compost from goat manure or llama manure, which helps to kill pathogens through the composting process. Organic farmers recommend incorporating organic material such as wood chips and green manure into a compost pile to achieve higher temperatures that further reduce pathogen risk.

Additionally, applying compost or bagged manure only to non-edible parts of the garden or using it well before spring planting helps to minimize contamination and maintain a healthy garden environment.

Dealing with Weeds and Seeds

Dealing with weed seeds in manure requires careful management to prevent unwanted weed growth in your garden. Fresh manure, such as fresh chicken manure and fresh cow manure, often contains weed seeds that can sprout and compete with your plants.

To manage and prevent weed growth, it’s essential to use manure compost that has been properly decomposed in a compost pile with organic material like wood chips and green manure, which helps kill off weed seeds. Organic farmers recommend incorporating composted manures, such as goat manure or bagged manure, into the soil well before spring planting to ensure thorough weed seed suppression.

Additionally, home compost piles and own compost are excellent for creating a weed-free, nutrient-rich potting mix that supports healthy plant growth in vegetable gardens and raised beds.

Conclusion

Choosing the right animal manure for your garden or farm involves understanding the unique benefits and challenges of each type. Whether you opt for composted cow manure, fresh chicken manure, or goat manure, each has its own nutrient profile and suitability for different gardening needs.

Properly managing weed seeds, aging fresh manure, and ensuring effective composting with organic material like wood chips and green manure will help you avoid potential issues and enhance your soil health.

Organic farmers often find that using a mix of manure compost, bagged manure, and own compost enriches the soil, supports plant growth, and improves the overall productivity of vegetable gardens and community gardens. By carefully selecting and applying the best manure for your needs, you can achieve a vibrant, healthy garden that thrives throughout the growing season.

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FAQs about Organic Manure: Choosing the Best Poo for You

• 1. What types of animal manure are commonly used in gardening?

  • Animal manure from farm animals such as cows, chickens, goats, and llamas are popular choices. Each type offers different nutrient profiles; for example, fresh chicken manure is high in nitrogen, while goat manure is more balanced. Human waste is generally not recommended due to potential health risks.

• 2. How can I ensure my manure compost doesn’t contain weed seeds?

  • To avoid weed seeds, it’s important to compost fresh manure thoroughly. A properly managed compost pile will reach temperatures high enough to kill weed seeds, making the compost safe for use in vegetable gardens and raised beds.

• 3. What is the difference between fresh manure and bagged manure?

  • Fresh manure is directly collected from animals and may contain weed seeds and harmful pathogens. In contrast, bagged manure is usually composted and aged, making it safer and more convenient for immediate use in a home garden or potting mix.

• 4. Can I use green manure in my vegetable garden?

  • Yes, green manure, which consists of plants grown specifically to be tilled back into the soil, is a great source of organic material. It enriches the soil with nitrogen and other nutrients, improving soil health for the next planting season.

• 5. What is the best manure for spring planting?

  • The best manure for spring planting is well-composted manure, which provides balanced nutrients and enriches the soil without the risk of burning plants. Many gardeners find that composted animal manures, such as composted cow manure or aged llama manure, are ideal for enhancing soil in raised beds and community gardens.