Gardening And Manure

Manure was once termed the ‘black gold’ of the garden world because of the nutrients it puts back into the soil, but today its use has become imperative, due to the worlds loss of top soil.
Throughout history civilizations would plant and replant until the soil was not viable any longer. Then they would simply move on to a new area. Today is not much different, except there are very few places to move to.

David Montgomery, a professor of earth and sciences, at the University of Washington said, “We are doing the same things today that past societies have done, and at the same rate. In essence, we are slowly removing the planets life giving skin.” The causes for loss of topsoil are excessive applications of chemicals by farmers, spill or leaks of petroleum products and other toxic substances and tilling that leaves the land with little ground cover. All these practices kill the microorganisms in the soil.
According to soil scientist, Elaine Ingham, at Oregon State University, just one gram of healthy agricultural soil contains 100 yards of threadlike fungal material, 100 million bacteria, tens of thousands of protozoa, and up to 2,000 tiny worms. The growth of plants depends on the presence of these microorganisms, and without them things will not grow.
Organic material is a key factor in soil quality. Farmers and gardeners alike who use manures enhance the soil and the microorganisms that live there. Besides feeding microorganisms in the soil it improves the moisture holding capacity and releases nutrients. Manure contains a rich and wide range of minerals and nutrients. It also contains the three main chemicals your soil needs: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Of course all manures are not the same, mainly because of the diet of the animal they came from. Some are vegetarians and some are carnivores, but even with vegetarians, the diet will be different. A horse that eats mostly grass and weeds will produce a different product than an cow that eats the same because the cows chews and grinds the food and a horse does not. That means the seeds of the weeds just pass through, thus you will have more weeds using horses manure.

Cow manure - is the most popular manure for the garden. It’s available in large quantities and reaps excellent results.

Horse manure - is the second most popular manures. Its mixture of straw and sawdust are added benefits to soil regeneration.

Chicken and turkey manure – is a good source especially if you live near a chicken or turkey farm. Organic chicken farming allow the chicken to eat bugs, grains and seeds that are common and familiar to that location.

Vermiculture – or worm castings are excellent manure for any garden. This is the excretion left by worms after they finish digesting organic matter. Worm castings supply, magnesium, phosphates, calcium, potassium and potash, along with a whole range of microorganisms, nutrients and trace minerals. The only drawback is the price but you can get around that if you start your own worm farm.

Green manure - is plants like clover or legumes that are raised to be sowed under and replenish the soil. This practice is part of crop rotation and will add nutrients back to the soil the following season.
When applying manures be sure that it is well decomposed. Work it into the garden in the fall and in the spring the soil will be ready for the garden. Don’t use fresh manure because of the high concentration of nitrogen. This will create ‘hot spots’ that can damage and burn plants. We have all seen what happens when a dog does his business on our lawn. The grass will turn brown, but if you wait a few weeks that same spot will be the greenest spot of the lawn.

Using raw manure, besides the odor, can also contain pathogens that might make you sick. If you do decide to use raw manure, use it in the early fall and hasten the discomposure process by incorporating it into the topsoil. Raw sheep and poultry manure are considered ‘hot’ and may burn seedlings and transplants. It can even make perennials grow so fast and thin that they will fall over.
All in all manures are a good thing for the soil and the microorganisms that dwell there; there are only a few things to be aware of. Use manures early in the fall to give them time to break down and avoid applying near rivers and streams. Protect yourself by washing your hands when working with raw manures, and never use them in the vegetable garden. If you remember these cautions your can produce a healthful garden while keeping your little piece of the ecosystem green and healthy.


By Renee Rotto