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:
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Biodegradable materials like cattle dung, urine, and slurry from biogas plants.
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Waste products from human habitation such as human urine, night soil, sludge, sewage, domestic waste.
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Droppings of livestock such as goat and sheep
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Waste that is obtained from slaughterhouses such as bones, meat, horn and hoof meal, fish waste etc.
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By-products of agricultural industries
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Waste material from crops
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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:
This increases the percentage of organic matter in the soil which helps in the suppression of weeds and prevents soil erosion.
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.
It improves the soil structure and water retention capacity of the soil. Thereby improving the health of the plants.