To ensure that your plants and crops grow healthy and strong, in addition to a lot of patience and love, take care of the soil with sustainable practicesAs every Pur Planter knows, the soil must be fertilized periodically, especially in pots, as it loses nutrients easily. One of the best ways to do this is with natural manure. Manure is a organic fertilizer Ideal for all types of crops and plants, especially those from herbivorous animals without chemical treatments. The quality of the manure will depend on the animal nutrition and welfare, so the number of cows fed on farms is not the same as that of cows grazing.
In this article you will find, in maximum detail, the types of manure and their characteristics, how to choose the right one, approximate dosages, advantages, precautions for use, handling, and sustainability options to reduce odors and emissions.
What is manure and why use it?
El manure It is composed of animal feces and urine, often mixed with bedding material (straw, sawdust), food scraps and some water. It is a complete fertilizer with NPK macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Zn, among others). In addition, provides organic matter, improving soil structure, aeration, water retention, and microbial activity. Its composition varies depending on the species, diet, management, and storage system, so not all manure is the same.
- Key benefits: improves fertility, increases water retention, favors microorganisms and can reduce erosion.
- Considerations: Being a natural resource, its variability complicates dosage; and if it is fresh it may contain pathogens and seeds of unwanted weeds.
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Most commonly used types of manure
There are different types of manure, some more common in professional agriculture and others in urban gardens or gardening hobbies. In all cases, it is advisable compost or mature before applying to avoid burns, odors and health risks.
Horse manure
The horse has been an ally of human beings in the countryside, and even its excrements are a great source of organic matter. It is ideal for composting and vermicomposting because it decomposes easily and its straw provides structural fiber. It usually has a moderate nutrient content: approx. 0,6% N, 0,6% P, 0,4% K and trace elements. Therefore, it can be supplemented with liquid worm castings if you are looking for an extra nutritional boost.
Recommended for eroded lands for its ability to aerate and fluff the soil. In crops demanding potassium (potatoes, legumes), its balanced and heat of decomposition improves structure and drainage. As it can contain weed seeds, it is recommended to compost it well.
At Pur Plant, to carry out our Organic fertilizer made from purebred Spanish horse manure pellets, we obtain the raw material from the Levante Horses equestrian center, where the animals are kept in semi-freedom to ensure high quality. Proximity to the production site favors a local and sustainable economy.
Sheep manure
Sheep manure is one of the most rich and balanced. Provides a high amount of nutrients and minerals and acts as microbial inoculant. It is usually mixed with straw and hair, increasing the contribution of nitrogenIt decomposes quickly and releases nutrients in a short time, so it is advisable do not exceed the dose to avoid burns. A common reference is 3-5 kg/m² in poor soils, adjusting according to analysis.
Cow dung
Widely used in traditional agriculture, cow dung it's more poor in nitrogen than others, with approximate values of 0,6% N, 0,3% P and 0,4% K. It stands out for its high organic matter content, thus improving the soil structure and its capacity to Water retentionIn cold climates, it is also used as natural padding. It should be composted to reduce pathogens and seeds herbal. Indicative dosage: 1-5 kg/m² incorporated into the soil; as mulch, larger quantities can always be used away from the neck of the plant.
Chicken manure (chicken droppings)
Chicken manure is a mixture of solid and liquid excrement, so its nitrogen is very highIt is a powerful fertilizer but its acidity and wealth in Calcium force to avoid it in calcareous soils. In addition, its concentration can cause burns if not composted or diluted. Fine and cautious doses, for example 20-30 g / m² as an amendment, they are effective in leafy crops and to stimulate the vegetative growthChicken manure (liquid ferment) reduces acidity and allows for better dosing.
Rabbit manure
Recognized for his high nutritional strength, approximate values are quoted for 4% N, 4% P and 1% K. Being concentrated and with a tendency to acidity, many producers do it ferment for 2-3 months before applying. Some people use it in dry balls directly into the ground due to its format and lower humidity; however, the safest option to avoid burns is compost it and mix it with other manures or carbonaceous matter.
Goat manure
De balanced nutrition, decomposes quickly, improves the soil structure and stimulates the microbial activity. It is appreciated for its manageability in vegetable gardens and DIY gardening. As a practical reference, they can be applied 0,5-2 kg/m² in poor soils, adjusting according to needs and soil analysis. In large quantities it can be difficult to obtain.
pig manure
With high nitrogen and phosphorus content, is usually handled in the form of slurry (liquid). It is easily applied and quickly absorbed, but requires caution due to its strong smell and potential for water pollution if mishandled. A period of adaptation before application and always under technical criteria, avoiding application on waterlogged or sloping soils.
Guano and worm humus
El guano It is the accumulation of excrement from bats and seabirds in dry environments, with very high richness in NPKIt is a fertilizer highly effective and, in the case of bat guano, wide acceptance due to its versatility in all phases of cultivation and its more moderate concentrations. It can be applied in solid or liquid form, although its Rib is usually superior.
El earthworm humus It is a product of the decomposition of organic matter by worms, with great stability, beneficial microorganisms and humic compounds. Improves the soil structure, stimulates the for Growth and increases the pest resistanceIt is a magnificent complement to traditional manure.
Manure states: fresh, semi-cured and cured
There are three states common: fresh, semi-cured and cured. fresh manure can be used in solarization To deworm the soil from insects, fungi and spores: spread it covering the surface, cover it with plastic and is left in the sun for several months, taking advantage of the heat and fermentation to eliminate pests.
El cured manure It has spent some time maturing in the sun (weeks or months, depending on the mix), it does not ferment or smell, and can be applied safely. The semi-cured is somewhere in between. In all cases, the controlled composting It is the safest way to stabilize nutrients, reduce odors and avoid phytotoxicity.
Composting, management and practical recommendations
To get the best out of manure, mature it and/or compost it properly. The process reduces pathogens, seeds of weeds and odorsDuring composting, some nutrients are lost. volatile nitrogen, so it is advisable to balance the battery (C/N ratio) and consider complementary contributions (e.g. well-cured ash for K, or liquid humus for micronutrients).
- Soil analysis: determines real needs and avoids excesses.
- Application: on the surface as a padded o Foundation for Research and Management in Health Services of Ecuador using light labor. Avoid direct contact with stems.
- Moment: better at plot preparation and transplants, or at low doses as a cover crop.
- Crop rotation: helps take advantage of nutrients and prevent accumulations of pathogens.
Sustainability, emissions and ammonia control
Manure can emit methane (CH4) y nitrous oxide (N2O) depending on how they are handled. Compiling, covering piles, separating phases, and applying at appropriate times reduces emissions. In many areas, nitrogen contribution from animal sources is regulated (for example, 170 kg/ha in vulnerable areas), protecting soils and waters. Responsible management is key to a sustainable agriculture.
La pyrolysis of manure can concentrate nutrients, reduce volume and remove odors, resulting in a high-value fertilizer. Other alternatives such as biogas by anaerobic digestion or urban waste compost contribute to the circular economyIn livestock housing, the control of ammonia (NH3) —irritant gas produced by microbial decomposition— is essential for the animal welfare and staff. Solutions based on extracts from Yucca Schidiger (e.g., De-Odorase®) help to reduce ammonia concentrations on the farm.
At an Alltech ONE Ideas technical conference, Dr. Saheed Salami highlighted that manure is a relevant source of nitrous oxide, and that for more sustainable dairy farms, action must be taken on the entire farm: improving the digestibility of the rations, reduce ingredients with high carbon content and make better use of the nitrogen of the diet.
Manure selection and recommended dosage
The choice depends on crop needs, soil type, availability, and cost. As a practical guide based on various technical sources:
- Cow: 1-5 kg/m² incorporated; in mulching, larger quantities with prudence.
- Horse: 1-5 kg/m², ideal for activate compost and aerate soils.
- Sheep: 3-5 kg/m² due to its richness and rapid mineralization.
- Chicken: 20-30 g/m² fine amendment; compost to reduce acidity.
- Goat: 0,5-2 kg/m², good equilibrium nutritional.
- Rabbit: apply after fermentation or mixed; moderate doses.
- Pork (slurry): apply with advisory technician avoiding runoff.
- Guano/Humus: use complementary by its concentration or stability.
Note: Some intensive cow manure mulching practices employ higher doses (several kg per m²) exclusively as mulch and without contact with stems, something that requires technical criteria to avoid damage.
In its most general form, the types of manure They are an organic matter that is obtained from animal waste and their decomposing bodies, and is used to improve soil quality and increase crop yields.
In this context, manure, a product of the decomposition of organic matter, mainly of animal origin, is a natural fertilizer Widely used. In professional agriculture, where efficiency and productivity are key, different types of manure (cow, horse, sheep, chicken, pig) and less common ones (rabbit, goat, guano y earthworm humus), each with features and benefits concrete.
Manure states: fresh, semi-cured and cured
There are three states common: fresh, semi-cured and cured. fresh manure can be used in solarization To deworm the soil from insects, fungi and spores: spread it covering the surface, cover it with plastic and is left in the sun for several months, taking advantage of the heat and fermentation to eliminate pests.
El cured manure It has spent some time maturing in the sun (weeks or months, depending on the mix), it does not ferment or smell, and can be applied safely. The semi-cured is somewhere in between. In all cases, the controlled composting It is the safest way to stabilize nutrients, reduce odors and avoid phytotoxicity.
Composting, management and practical recommendations
To get the best out of manure, mature it and/or compost it properly. The process reduces pathogens, seeds of weeds and odorsDuring composting, some nutrients are lost. volatile nitrogen, so it is advisable to balance the battery (C/N ratio) and consider complementary contributions (e.g. well-cured ash for K, or liquid humus for micronutrients).
- Soil analysis: determines real needs and avoids excesses.
- Application: on the surface as a padded o Foundation for Research and Management in Health Services of Ecuador using light labor. Avoid direct contact with stems.
- Moment: better at plot preparation and transplants, or at low doses as a cover crop.
- Crop rotation: helps take advantage of nutrients and prevent accumulations of pathogens.
Sustainability, emissions and ammonia control
Manure can emit methane (CH4) y nitrous oxide (N2O) depending on how they are handled. Compiling, covering piles, separating phases, and applying at appropriate times reduces emissions. In many areas, nitrogen contribution from animal sources is regulated (for example, 170 kg/ha in vulnerable areas), protecting soils and waters. Responsible management is key to a sustainable agriculture.
La pyrolysis of manure can concentrate nutrients, reduce volume and remove odors, resulting in a high-value fertilizer. Other alternatives such as biogas by anaerobic digestion or urban waste compost contribute to the circular economyIn livestock housing, the control of ammonia (NH3) —irritant gas produced by microbial decomposition— is essential for the animal welfare and staff. Solutions based on extracts from Yucca Schidiger (e.g., De-Odorase®) help to reduce ammonia concentrations on the farm.
At an Alltech ONE Ideas technical conference, Dr. Saheed Salami highlighted that manure is a relevant source of nitrous oxide, and that for more sustainable dairy farms, action must be taken on the entire farm: improving the digestibility of the rations, reduce ingredients with high carbon content and make better use of the nitrogen of the diet.
Manure selection and recommended dosage
The choice depends on crop needs, soil type, availability, and cost. As a practical guide based on various technical sources:
- Cow: 1-5 kg/m² incorporated; in mulching, larger quantities with prudence.
- Horse: 1-5 kg/m², ideal for activate compost and aerate soils.
- Sheep: 3-5 kg/m² due to its richness and rapid mineralization.
- Chicken: 20-30 g/m² fine amendment; compost to reduce acidity.
- Goat: 0,5-2 kg/m², good equilibrium nutritional.
- Rabbit: apply after fermentation or mixed; moderate doses.
- Pork (slurry): apply with advisory technician avoiding runoff.
- Guano/Humus: use complementary by its concentration or stability.