Why is manure considered better for the garden than chemical fertilizers?
Because the addition of organic matter to soil will result in conversion of plant residues to humus. Horses seem to have the most valuable manure as it is richer in nitrogen from the grains they eat. Horse and sheep manures are considered hot manures compared with the cold manure of cows or pigs. The difference is the content of urine; urine contains more nitrogen and potash and is valuable in converting crop residues into humus. Also, the softer (cow flops) the manure the less likelihood there is of burning plants. If manure has dried out and turned white, it has lost all nutrient value. The N-P-K values for one ton of manure is: horse = 14-5-11, pig = 10-7-8, chickens = 20-16-9, cows = 12-3-9, and sheep and goats = 19-7-20. All manure needs to be composted before coming into contact with plants. If you are going to use fresh manure in your garden, till it into the soil at least one month to six weeks before planting. top of page Master Gardener Program Master Gardeners seem to know a
