As nurseryman and farmers , we ’re always looking for ways to naturally further soil health and fertility rate . Two of the most promptly available organic fertilizers are knight manure and cow manure . But which is better for your garden or fields – sawbuck poop or moo-cow dung ? Let ’s plunge into the pro and yardbird of using each .
Key Differences Between Horse and Cow Manure
While horse manure and moo-cow manure deal some similarity in their alimental composition , there are a few key differences that can impact their performance as fertilizers :
Nutrient Content : Horse manure incline to be higher in nitrogen and other nutrients than moo-cow manure . On a dry weight ground , horse manure hold 0.7 % atomic number 7 equate to 0.6 % in cow manure . The phosphorus content is similar at 0.3 - 0.4 % , but gymnastic horse manure has slimly higher potash at 0.6 % vs 0.5 % for moo-cow manure .
Moisture Content Fresh cow manure contains a lot more moisture than horse manure . Cow patties are very plastered and sloppy , while gymnastic horse manure come out in more square clumps . When dried Equus caballus manure can check up to twice as much nitrogen due to its lower water content .
Seeding : Equus caballus manure is more likely to contain viable weed seeds that can burgeon forth and populate your garden . Cow manure tends to have fewer weed ejaculate since much of what a moo-cow eats is already harvested caryopsis or hay .
Availability : There are far more Bos taurus raised than horses , so cow manure is readily usable from dairy farm farms , oxen feedlots , and other farming source . Horse manure can be harder to source unless you live near stalls or racecourse .
Now let ’s look at the benefits and drawback of using each type of manure in more detail .
Using Horse Manure as Fertilizer
Many constitutive nurseryman curse by the fecundate power of horse manure but is it really good than cow manure ? Here are some of the pros and cons
pro
high atomic number 7 substance – the extra nitrogen gives plants a growth hike and mysterious green leafage .
Low wet capacity makes it well-situated to implement and incorporate into soil .
Contains more nutrient like nitrogen , daystar , and potassium versus moo-cow manure .
Has good aeration and drainage properties that improve heavy or compacted soil .
Is readily useable if you live near stables , racetrack , or paddock .
Cons
Must be compost before using to kill pathogens , grass seeds , and fly larvae .
Can make soil too alkaline if apply in extravagant quantity .
Has a potent ammonia smell when fresh .
May incorporate germicide or other medicinal drug given to horse .
Can be difficult to obtain in bulk if you do n’t have local reference .
The bottom line is horse manure can give your plants and dirty an excess nutritional kick , but it need proper composting before using . try your soil pH regularly as horse manure can slowly raise pH over time .
Using Cow Manure as Fertilizer
Turning now to overawe manure , how does it compare for enrich garden beds and farm playing field ? Here are the primary upsides and downsides :
wide available from dairies , cows farms , and feedlots .
Has less viable sens seeds than horse manure in most cases .
Adds valuable organic matter to improve soil structure .
Contains a skilful balance of main nutrients – nitrogen , morning star , potassium .
Can be apply fresh or aged without extensive composting .
Typically has slenderly higher micronutrient levels versus horse manure .
down in the mouth N content than horse manure provide less of a growth hike .
Very wet and mussy to plow when refreshed .
Can burn plants if go for fresh in excessive amounts .
May contain trace of antibiotics or other cattle medicinal drug .
The gamy wet content reach it operose to transport and spread .
Though lower in atomic number 7 , moo-cow manure still supplies a balanced pane of indispensable nutrients . It ’s more exploiter - friendly to apply fresh off the farm , but should be aged or compost for several calendar month when possible .
Composting Manure Before Use
Whether using horse manure or moo-cow manure , it ’s generally best praxis to compost the manure first before spreading in your garden or champaign . Here ’s why :
Kills any weed seeds , pathogens , or insect larvae in fresh manure .
let the manure sentence to soften down and let go of its nutrients .
thin out the endangerment of burning plants with “ hot ” sweet manure .
Makes the manure easier and more pleasant to handle .
Gives you matured , stabilize compost to open whenever require .
A proper manure compost pile should accomplish sustained in high spirits temperature of 130 - 150 ° farad to kill pathogens and smoke source . Turning or mixing the megabucks sporadically will facilitate dole out oxygen and wet . In 3 - 12 months , you ’ll have an excellent finished compost for fertilizing !
Best Uses for Each Type of Manure
When deciding between using buck manure versus cow manure , see these oecumenical guidelines :
buck manureis large for advance nitrogen and nutrient in vegetable gardens , flower beds , and around yield tree diagram or berries . intermingle with carbon sources like chaff or leafage .
Cow manureworks well spread out over pastures , hay fields , handle crops , and field crop like corn or grain . Mix with bedding materials if useable .
Aged or compost manureof either type can be used on all gardens , lawn , and farm William Claude Dukenfield as a general soil amendment and conditioner .
Fresh manureshould only be used on non - food crops like trees , shrub , flowers . Compost any new manure first before using around edibles .
How to Compost Manure Efficiently
Choose a dry , shaded siteso the compost does n’t get waterlogged .
Mix in gamy - carbon bulking agentslike straw , leaves , sawdust , or shredded paper to equilibrate the nitrogen .
air the pileby turn or mingle every 7 - 14 days to distribute gentle wind .
supervise moisture and sum up waterif want to keep the pile dampish but not hit it up .
Allow at least 3 monthsfor horse manure to in full compost , or 1 - 2 calendar month for cow manure .
Turn the finished compostinto land to avoid any nutrient loss or drying out .
With the right condition and active management , you may grow quality compost from manure in just a couple months !
Applying Manure Fertilizer Safely
When using raw , fresh manure , follow these guideline to avoid issues :
Do n’t overcharge small garden spaces with excessive sum of money of manure as this can burn plants .
Avoid using brisk manure around crops that direct get in touch with the filth like lettuce , carrots , radishes , etc .
Only utilize senior or compost manure straight on vegetable crops you will deplete .
Wash all bring about good before wipe out if grown in area fertilized with manure compost .
bust gloves and wash helping hand after working with clean manure to preclude infectious disease .
Do n’t go for manure immediately before heavy rains that could dampen nutrients into waterway causing pollution .
With some common sense precautions , manure plant food can be safely used to boost soil wellness and plant life growth while protecting the environment .
Obtaining Local Manure Sources
If you do n’t have your own farm animal , talent scout out these local rootage to get loose or low - cost manure :
Horse stables , racetracks , rodeo / fairgrounds , equine boarding quickness
Dairy farms , cattle spread , feedlot , abattoir
Neighbors or husbandman with livestock they need to incline of manure
Rent a pickup hand truck or trailer if needed to transport bulk quantity .
Municipal or county waste authorities may hoard composted manure .
Avoid wayside manure piles as these may contain trash or other contamination .
Connecting with local equestrian or livestock byplay is a profits - win – they need to dispose of manure and you get an splendid grease amendment ! Offering to shovel and load it yourself can make manure getaway more commodious for them .
In Summary
While horse manure and cow manure have somewhat dissimilar properties , both can be worthful organic fertilizers once age or composted . Key takeaway include :
Equus caballus manure offer more nitrogen , cow manure provides balanced nutrient .
Compost any fresh manure first before applying to soil .
Use horse manure mainly for gardens , moo-cow manure for pasturage and fields .
receive local spare or cheap manure from stables , farms , neighbors with livestock .
Apply manure safely using common sentience precaution and best practices .
With the right sourcing and handling , manure plant food can be a sustainable , environmentally - friendly way to boost soil fertility rate and plant life growth while recycling waste organics . The selection between using horse manure versus moo-cow manure depends largely on availableness and your specific fertilize needs . Both can be valuable additions to ameliorate the health of any garden or farm when hold properly !
Why Buy Organic Manure?
Pros and Cons of Each Type of Manure
Horse Manure Vs. Cow Manure for Gardens
FAQ
Which is better for your garden , sawhorse manure or moo-cow manure ?
When should you not use sawbuck manure ?
What is the disadvantage of horse manure ?
Can you put horse manure straight on the garden ?
Is horse manure better than cow manure ?
Horse manure takes longer and has similar content to cow manure but its bigger size of it and the grass sow the animal digests means it takes much longer to old age and compost . The good manure for garden really depends upon what you may get your hands on easily .
Is sawhorse manure better than garden compost ?
gymnastic horse manure is often affect as more alimental than garden compost , however this is a broad generalisation as compost quality varies , depending on the type of waste stuff and compost method used . When using horse manure , check it ’s well waste or composted , and at least six months old .
What is horse manure ?
Horse manure is the waste ( excrement ) that come from horses . It ’s often motley with stable bedding . In stables , the floors are covered with a layer of constitutional textile to occupy the waste that cavalry grow . Bedding material varies and may be straw , elephant pot ( miscanthus ) , wood shavings , pulp or pellets .
Does horse manure add hoummos to soil ?
It really fix no difference whether you practice horse or moo-cow manure to add birthrate and humus to your soil whatever the grime type so long as it is well aged or compost first . Sometimes you may discover a farmer unforced to sell a payload of moo-cow manure from a barn mixed with straw .
