Agricultural Fertilisers: Manures as Fertilisers for Better Farming

26 April 2023

Manures are an economical way of increasing soil fertility, reducing the need for expensive agricultural fertilisers, and increasing the farm’s profitability.

While numerous agricultural advancements make life simpler or work faster, there are times when nothing matches the old-fashioned manner. At least, that is how many farmers feel about fertilising their crops. Because of the carbon molecules (organic elements) that form soil structure, manure is sometimes superior to synthetic agricultural fertilisers.

About Manure as a Viable Agricultural Fertiliser

Although the use of manure on many farms has generally declined over the last 50 years due to agricultural specialisation with increasing separation of crop and livestock production, the cost of transporting manure, and the increased availability of synthetic agricultural fertilisers, manure is a valuable agricultural fertiliser for any farming operation that provides many benefits to soil and crop production in general. Manure usage indefinitely increases organic matter in soils and enhances soil structure. This soil structure change improves water retention, aeration, friability, and drainage. Manures also provide several trace nutrients required for optimal plant development. Plant nutrients are delivered more slowly and gradually than most commercial fertilisers. Manure is an excellent source of organic materials. Soil organic matter improves soil structure, increases the water-holding capacity of coarse-textured sandy soils, improves drainage in fine-textured clay soils, provides a source of slow-release nutrients, reduces wind and water erosion, and promotes the growth of earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms.

Application of Manures

The proper use of manure and compost is critical for both productivity and the environment. On the field, manure should never be put fresh (raw). Fresh manure contains a lot of soluble nitrogen, which can cause salt buildup and leaching losses if used too much. Fresh manure may have a high concentration of viable weed seeds, resulting in weed issues. Moreover, bacteria such as E. coli may be present in fresh manure and can cause disease in people who consume fresh vegetables if necessary measures are not followed.

Fresh, non-composted manure has more nitrogen than composted manure. Yet, using composted manure will increase the organic matter content of the soil.Low application rates might result in nutritional deficiencies and low yields. On the other hand, an excessively high pace might cause nitrate leaching, phosphate runoff, increased eutrophication of lakes, and excessive vegetative growth in some crops. Hence, understanding how to manage manure is critical for any agricultural enterprise that relies on manure as a significant source of nutrients, as well as crop growers with access to a cost-effective supply of manure, compost, or other organic nutrient sources.

Manure Nutrient Composition

There are several forms of manure available for crop cultivation. Most farmers are expected to use solid manure, with or without bedding. It is critical to remember that the nutritional content of manures varies greatly depending on the age of the animals, the feed utilised, the moisture content, the degree of decomposition, and the amount of litter or bedding material mixed in with the manure. Laboratory analysis is the only truly accurate approach to determining the nutritional content of manure.

Manure is a great agricultural fertiliser since it contains nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and other nutrients. Adding organic matter enhances soil structure, aeration, moisture-holding capacity, and water penetration.

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