Manure is organic matter used as fertilizer in agriculture. It mainly consists of animal feces and urine, often mixed with plant material like straw used as bedding for the animals. Manure improves soil fertility by adding organic matter and essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are important for plant growth. Manure can come from various sources including cattle dung, poultry waste, farmyard material, and even decomposed plant material. It enriches the soil by improving its structure, water retention, and nutrient content. Unlike chemical fertilizers, manure also adds humus and encourages beneficial soil microorganisms, supporting long-term soil health. There are different types of manure, such as:
- Farmyard manure: a mix of animal waste and bedding materials.
- Green manure: crops grown and plowed back into the soil to enhance fertility.
- Compost manure: decomposed organic matter, sometimes including manure.
In summary, manure is a natural, renewable fertilizer that helps sustain agricultural productivity by improving soil quality and providing nutrients for crops. It has been used since the beginnings of agriculture and remains a vital part of sustainable farming practices.
