Manure
/məˈnʊr/
Definition
Manure is animal dung, sometimes mixed with urine, bedding, or plant litter, used in gardening and horticulture as an organic soil amendment and fertilizer. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, it adds both nutrients and organic matter, which can improve soil structure and water-holding capacity as it decomposes. Fresh manure and well-rotted manure differ in strength and stability, with aged material generally less likely to burn roots or carry weed seeds.
Use in Gardening
- Soil fertility support: It supplies nutrients that plants use for leaf, root, and stem growth, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while also adding organic matter that can improve soil structure.
- Best used after aging or composting: Fresh manure can be too strong for roots and may introduce weed seeds or human pathogens, so composted material is generally safer for beds, borders, and edible crops.
- Effect on soil condition: Regular additions can increase water-holding capacity in sandy soils and help heavy soils become looser and easier for roots to penetrate.
- Application timing matters: It is often incorporated before planting so nutrients have time to become available, since soil microbes must break down much of the organic material before plants can use it.
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