Introduction
In its most general form, Manure is an organic matter that is obtained from the animal wastes and their decomposing bodies, it is used to improve the quality of soil and increase the yield of crops.
What is Manure?
When plants and animals die and their bodies start to decompose, they are added to the soil in the agricultural land to increase crop production. The decaying bodies act as a natural form of fertilizer and are very cost-effective. The human and animal excreta is also used as manure by farmers along with the livestock manure that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and other essential nutrients that enhance the quality of the soil.
Manure is rich in organic matter and humus which helps in improving the fertility of the soil. These organic matters are good for the soil and do not cause any damage to the natural resources. It is a renewable resource that replenishes the soil with nutrients
Manure can be obtained from a number of sources. The different sources of manure are given below:
Biodegradable materials like cattle dung, urine, and slurry from biogas plants.
Waste products from human habitation such as human urine, night soil, sludge, sewage, domestic waste.
Droppings of livestock such as goat and sheep
Waste that is obtained from slaughterhouses such as bones, meat, horn and hoof meal, fish waste etc.
By-products of agricultural industries
Waste material from crops
Weeds, water hyacinth etc
Types of Manure
Manure can be divided into Farmyard manure, Green manure and Compost manure. The different types of manure used by the farmers are given below:
Green Manure
This increases the percentage of organic matter in the soil which helps in the suppression of weeds and prevents soil erosion.
Farmyard Manure
It improves the soil structure and is used as a natural fertilizer in farming. Farmyard Manure increases the capacity of soil that will hold more water and nutrients.
Compost Manure
It improves the soil structure and water retention capacity of the soil. Thereby improving the health of the plants.
Advantages of Manure
These are a good source of macro and micronutrients.
Helps in Improving soil fertility.
It is a very cost-effective tool for increasing yield
Prevents soil erosion and leaching.
Improves the physical properties of soil and aerates the soil.
Improves the water and nutrient retention capacity of the soil.
It is very easy to transport.
FAQs on Manure
1. Difference Between Manures and Fertilizers?
Manures are natural animal excreta while fertilizers can be natural or have chemical substances added to it. Synthetic chemical blends, mineral, and compost obtained by decaying organic matter are some of the examples of fertilizers.
2. Is Cow Dung the Best Manure?
Cow dung is packed with NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) hence makes one of the best manures, especially in gardening use.
3. How to Make Manure at Home?
You could use pot composting or vermicomposting to make manure at home. For pot composting, you must segregate your kitchen waste into dry and wet and keep them in 2 different containers in the kitchen. Add dry leaves, cow dung, buttermilk amounting to the same quantity as the waste to start the decomposition process. Leave it open for 30-45 days and keep turning them and adding dry leaves if needed daily. After 2 months your home manure would be ready.
4. What are the Advantages of Using Manure?
Advantages of manures are varied, from enriching the soil, to bettering its moisture content and structure; manures help all kinds of plants and trees to grow better. Manures also support soil erosion and leaching along with the killing of pests. They are also cost-effective.
5. What are the different types of manure?
Manure can be divided into Farmyard manure, Green manure and Compost manure. The different types of manure used by the farmers are given below:
Green Manure
This increases the percentage of organic matter in the soil which helps in the suppression of weeds and prevents soil erosion.
Farmyard Manure
It improves the soil structure and is used as a natural fertilizer in farming. Farmyard Manure increases the capacity of soil that will hold more water and nutrients.
Compost Manure
It improves the soil structure and water retention capacity of the soil. Thereby improving the health of the plants.
6. Where can students find useful information regarding Manure and its uses?
Students can find everything they need on the Vedantu app or website. These study materials are created by professionals and the content is accurate and reliable. These study materials are completely free and there is no cost at all. All students just have to sign in and then they will be able to download what you want in pdf format. Students can find information regarding Manure, its uses, advantages and a whole lot more!
7. What is manure?
When plants and animals die and their bodies start to decompose, they are added to the soil in the agricultural land to increase crop production and this is called manure. The decaying bodies act as a natural form of fertilizer and are very cost-effective. The human and animal excreta is also used as manure by farmers along with the livestock manure that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and other essential nutrients that enhance the quality of the soil.
8. What are the different uses of Manure?
Manure is very useful for soil. When applied to the farmlands it acts as a field residue. Farmers can sell the manure to people who need to improve the fertility of the soil. Thus, it helps in bringing income to farmers. They enhance the quality of the soil. Manure also increases the water retention capacity of the soil. The carbon content and other elements present in manure can be used to produce different biofuels. It also contains a large number of fibers. It is environmentally friendly and helps in increasing crop production.
9. What is compost and how long does composting take?
Compost is a mixture of ingredients used to fertilize and improve the fertility of the soil. It is usually prepared by decomposing plant and food waste and recycling organic materials. It takes approximately three months for manure to convert into compost under a warm and moist environment. It might take a year for composting if the conditions are not suitable. Horse manure is considered the best form of manure to be converted into compost. Manure takes only about 4-6 weeks for composting.
