How to Compare Manure Fertilizers
Manure fertilizers are a great way to add nutrients to the soil. They provide a cheap, natural and effective way to enrich soil and aid in plant growth. Manure fertilizers are often packaged and prepared in forty or fifty-pound bags for sale at your local garden store. Naturally occurring manure from a nearby farm is also effective although it may require some preparation before it is suitable for use. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Locate the three number system that describes the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that the manure provides. For example, a fertilizer that states it has a .5 - 1 - .5 analysis shows that there is a half of a percent of nitrogen and potassium and a full percent of phosphorus per pound of the fertilizer. The higher the numbers the more of each nutrient the manure provides.
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Compare the source of the manure. Poultry and sheep manure contain the highest average level of nutrients whereas swine manure contains the lowest average level of nutrients.
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Check to see if the manure composted for at least six months. Manure that composts for less than six months may not be suitable for use as a soil amendment.
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Analyze the uniformity of the manure, if possible. Well-composted manure should be relatively uniform in nature.
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Check the price of bagged manure against bulk manure. Many larger garden centers will have bulk, composted, manure that you can get for much cheaper per pound then the bagged manure. This will be helpful if you have a larger area to cover.
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Tips & Warnings
Manure from local farms is a cheap alternative to the bagged manure from your local garden store. However, remember that manure needs to compost for at least six months before it is suitable for use in your garden. Be wary of manure fertilizers that boast extraordinarily long composting times because they are not necessarily any better. This is because a number of factors combine to create the nutritional value of the manure.
According to the Cornell University Co-operative Extension, you should avoid using manure from cats, dogs and other meat-eating animals because they pose a risk of transferring parasites or disease containing organisms to humans. Manures are also notorious for containing undigested weed seeds that will inevitably end up in your garden if you choose to use manure as a soil amendment.
