Manure Fertilizer

Manure fertilizer has the advantage of adding a balanced set of nutrients to your soil. Manure contains Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, trace nutrients and soil microorganism stimulants. Manures, depending on the amount of organic matter, can add bulk and structure to your soil that increases water holding capacity.

The Benefits of Manures

• Adds macro and minor nutrients
• Adds small amounts of trace nutrients
• Increases soil microorganisms
• Improves soil structure
• Improves overall plant health
• Low cost source fertilizer source

How Much to Use

It's best to use aged manure that has a high organic matter content (straw, sawdust, etc.). As good as manure is for your organic garden it's important for a variety of reason's not to use too much. When you can, age your manures in your compost or in a carefully managed covered pile.

A good rule of thumb is not to use more than a 5 gallon bucket (19 liters) of manure per 100 square feet (9.3 square meters) for the lower Nitrogen level manures. Much less for the high Nitrogen level manures.

Caution about Manures

• Steer and dairy manures with low organic matter can have excess salt levels.
• Fresh manures can have excessive amounts of Nitrogen, which can burn plants.
• The actual amount of area the animal uses to create manure is more than the area you are gardening. Manure is a limited resource that will only get more limiting.
• Depending on the source, the manure can contain many weed seeds.

Manure as Organic Fertilizer by Macro Nutrient Composition (percent)

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