Manure

Manure Definition

“Manure is an organic matter derived from the solid animal wastes, used to improve the soil quality and increase the yield of healthy crops.”

What is Manure?

Manure is the decomposed form of dead plants and animals, which is applied to the soil to increase production. It is a natural form of fertilizer and is cost-effective. The human and animal excreta is also used as manure. The livestock manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Manure is highly rich in organic matter and humus and thus improves the soil fertility. These are better in the long run and does not cause any pollution. It is a valuable and renewable resource.

Manure can be obtained from various sources. The different sources of manure are mentioned below:

• Cattle dung, urine, and slurry from biogas plants.

• Wastes from human habitation such as human urine, night soil, sludge, sewage, domestic waste.

• Droppings of goat and sheep

• Waste from the slaughterhouses such as bones, meat, horn and hoof meal, fish waste

• By-products of agricultural industries

• Crop waste

• Weeds, water hyacinth

Also Read: Crop production and management

Types of Manure

Manure can be grouped as farmyard manure, green manure and compost manure. Following are the different types of manure used by the farmers:

Green Manure

Green manure increases the percentage of organic matter in the soil. The roots of such manures go deep into the soil. These help in the suppression of weeds and the prevention of soil erosion.

Farmyard Manure

Farmyard manure improves the soil structure and is used as a natural fertilizer in farming. It increases the soil capacity to hold more water and nutrients. It also increases the microbial activity of the soil to improve its mineral supply and also the plant nutrients.

Compost Manure

It improves the soil structure and water and nutrient holding capacity of the soil. Thus, it increases the nutrient value and thereby improves the health of the plants.

Advantages of Manure

• These are a good source of macronutrients.

• Improves soil fertility.

• Cost-effective

• Reduces soil erosion and leaching.

• Improves the physical properties of the soil and aerates the soil.

• Improves the water and nutrient holding capacity of the soil.

• It can be transported easily.

• Methane gas is evolved as the by-product of manure that can be used for cooking and heating purposes.

• The crops grown on the land treated with manure produces healthy crops.

Manure is an ideal soil amendment. When it is applied to the agricultural fields it acts as a field residue. Farmers can sell the manure to people who need to improve their soil fertility. Thus, it can bring income to farmers. They add to the overall soil ability and sustainability. Manure increases the water holding capacity of the soil. The organic content of the soil can also be improved by applying raw manure like biochar, compost, etc.

Different types of manure contain about 26% solid. The solid and liquid portions are segregated and the solids are used for bedding. The carbon content and other elements can be used to produce different biofuels. Manure also contains a large number of fibres. The undigested animal feed, straw, sawdust, or other bedding contains a lot of fibre.

Manure is environment-friendly and has contributed a great deal in increasing food production. It was very difficult to feed a growing population. Use of manure improved the fertility of the soil and increased the yield of the crops.

To know more about what is manure, its types and advantages, keep visiting BYJU’S website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.

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