What is Manure? Definition, Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

Manures are organic wastes from plants and animals that are applied to crops as fertilizer. As they decompose, they release beneficial nutrients. Based on the density of the nutrients, manures can be divided into bulky organic manures and concentrated organic manures. These are more cost-effective in the long run and are better for the environment. It is a natural resource that can continually be supplied. These organic materials are good for soil health and do not affect the environment.

Table of Content

• What is Manure?
• Types of Manure
• How is Manure Prepared?
• Example of Manure
• Advantages of Manure
• Disadvantages of Manure
• FAQs on Manure

What is Manure?

Manure is a decomposed form of dead plants and animals that is applied to the soil to increase productivity. It is a cost-effective and natural fertilizer. Manure can also be made from any living being and animal waste. Nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium are abundant in livestock excrement. Manure contains organic compounds and humus, which boost soil fertility. These are better in the long run and more environmentally friendly. It is a renewable resource.

Manure is a good soil improver. When applied to agricultural fields, it acts as a field residue. Farmers can sell their manure to anyone who wants to improve their soil’s fertility. As a result, it may be able to generate income for farmers. They boost the soil’s overall capabilities and long-term viability. The ability of water storage is improved by manure. Raw manure, such as biochar, compost, and other organic materials, can help boost the organic content of the soil.

Manure

The solid content of various types of manure is roughly 26%. The solids are separated from the liquids, and the solids are used as bedding. Various biofuels can be made from carbon and other components. Manure also has a high fibre content. Fibre is abundant in undigested animal feed, straw, sawdust, and other bedding. Manure is environmentally friendly and increases food production greatly. Feeding an increasing population was incredibly tough. Manure treatment increases crop productivity and improved soil fertility. Different sources of Manure are:

1. Plant waste
2. Weeds, water hyacinth etc.
3. Waste of animals and humans
4. Debris of plants
5. Agricultural By-products

Types of Manure

Manure can be divided into green manure, farmyard manure, and compost manure. The various forms of manure that farmers use are as follows:

Green Manure

Using green manure increases the amount of organic matter in the soil. This type of manure has deep roots in the ground. These aid in weed management and the avoidance of soil erosion.

Farmyard Manure

Farmyard manure improves soil texture and is used as a natural fertiliser. It increases the ability of the soil to retain more water and minerals. It also increases mineral delivery and plant nutrition by increasing soil microbial activity.

Compost Manure

It improves soil structure as well as water and nutrient retention. As a result, it increases plant health by increasing nutrient value.

How is Manure Prepared?

Manure is produced when plant or animal wastes decompose. Plant and animal wastes are placed in open pits where bacteria can degrade them. Following are the three techniques used to prepare manure:

Pot Composting

First, household waste is divided into dry and wet categories in the kitchen. Paper, plastic, and packaging are classified as dry waste, while leftover food, fruit peels, and tea bags are classified as wet waste. Next, both of these wastes are put in two different containers in the kitchen. The wet waste bin’s contents are added to the first compost pot when it is full. The decomposition process can then be started by adding buttermilk, cow dung, or dry leaves in an amount equal to the waste.

Every other day, the pile should be turned around. A suitable amount of moisture in the pile should also be maintained. If it’s too dry, water must be added, and if it’s too wet, dry leaves must be added and stirred. After it is full, let it sit open for 30-45 days to allow the composition to take place. Now, the partially decomposed material must be placed in a larger container or bin after that. Waste will transform into rich compost after two months, which can be used or sold as manure.

Vermicomposting

Earthworms are essential to this process. For survival and reproduction, these worms require air, water, food, and warmth. Vermicompost can be created by putting these worms in containers with organic waste. Dried cow dung cakes, shredded newspaper, shredded cardboard, and coconut fibers are gathered. These items are placed at the bottom of the worm bin after soaking them in a sizable plastic tub of water, squeezing off the excess water. Next, some earthworms are purchased from the soil where they are found. Compost that hasn’t been finished should be added, along with kitchen garbage every two to three days. Providing dairy, meat, or fatty foods should be avoided. Only a small number of citrus fruits and peel are used in the vermicompost bin. Using anything acidic is also avoided; instead, eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, and tea leaves as well as the peels from fruits and vegetables are used.

Also read: Vermicomposting Benefits and How to Prepare Vermicomposting

Bokashi Method

Specifically chosen microorganisms are used to anaerobically digest organic waste. Daily kitchen trash can be added to the airtight container for fermenting. The next day, the rim may have maggots on it. Bokashi powder is then added. A faucet that can occasionally drain a tiny amount of the occasionally created liquid should be present on the drum. This substance will have a molasses, bran, and vinegar scent. In the drum, there will be some white fungus growing around the 17th day, indicating fermentation. A helpful fungus that aids in disease suppression is white mold. Having white mold indicates that the fermentation is successful. Kitchen trash should be collected in the Bokashi drum for a month, then left to sit for 18 days. In a tub, a portion of the contents of the drum is combined with partially finished compost. The fermenting wet waste should be placed in a trench, covered, and left to sit. The black compost will be available in three weeks.

Example of Manure

Some example of Manure are:

• Peals of Vegetable
• Cattle dung
• Sheep and Goats dropping
• Slaughterhouse waste

Advantages of Manure

Following are some of the advantages of manure:

1. It improves the edaphic factors i.e (water-holding capacity).
2. It allows gas exchange by making the soil more porous.
3. The texture of the soil improves.
4. The amount of microorganisms in the soil is increasing.
5. Synthetic fertilisers wreak havoc on our rivers, endangering marine life and degrading water quality.
6. Organic fertilisers are linked to soil texture and do not let the soil run off easily.

Disadvantages of Manure

Following are some of the disadvantages of manure:

1. Because not all organic goods are created equal, many have different effects.
2. Organic fertiliser is rapidly deficient in nutrients. Furthermore, because nutrients are usually complex in organic chemical structures, organic fertilisers may not provide the same flash of colour as chemical fertilisers.
3. While making our own compost is doable, it is a dirty and time-consuming process that typically results in an inconsistent product and end result.

FAQs on Manure

1. What is manure?

Answer:

Manure is a decomposed form of dead plants and animals that is applied to the soil to increase productivity. It is a cost-effective and natural fertilizer.

2. What are the different types of manure?

Answer:

The different types of manure include:

• Green manure
• Farmyard manure
• Compost manure

3. What is manure made from?

Answer:

Manure is made up of animal feces and urine and may also contain bedding for livestock, extra water, and discarded feed.

4. Why is manure important?

Answer:

Manure is a source of the nutrients that plants require to grow, including nitrogen and phosphate. By using manure as fertilizer appropriately, farmers can frequently save money. Gardeners, landscapers, golf courses, and other people that utilize nutrients to produce plants can purchase manure or manure-related items from farmers.

5. What is the difference between manure and fertilizer?

Answer:

Primary difference between fertilizers and manures is that the natural decay of dead plants and animals produces manure whereas, fertilizers are often not natural; they are chemical chemicals. Nutrient density is not very high.

6. Is manure a compost or fertilizer?

Answer:

Manure is solid waste from animals that has decomposed and been put on the soil to help plants grow. It comes primarily from cows, poultry, and horses. Manure can serve as the main ingredient in the production of compost, fertilizer, and biogas.

Also Read

• Irrigation
• Harvesting
• Cropping Patterns