What is Organic Manure and Why Should We Use it?

What is Organic Manure?

Organic Manure, also known as natural manure, is a type of fertilizer that is derived from natural sources such as animal waste, plant matter, and other organic materials. It is used to improve soil fertility, structure, and nutrient content, which in turn promotes healthy plant growth and yields.

Organic manure is rich in essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. It also contains organic matter that improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and aeration.

Examples of organic manure include animal manure (such as cow dung, poultry litter, and horse manure), compost, Green Plus manure (such as legumes and other cover crops), and crop residues (such as straw and leaves). Organic manure is generally considered to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment if overused.

Types of Organic Manure

There are several types of organic manure, which can be classified based on their source, composition, and nutrient content. Some common types of organic manure include:

 

1.Animal Manure: This is the most commonly used type of organic manure, and it is derived from the waste of animals such as cows, horses, sheep, and poultry. Animal manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other nutrients and organic matter.

 

2.Compost: Compost is made by decomposing organic matter such as food waste, yard waste, and leaves. It is rich in nutrients, organic matter, and beneficial microorganisms, which help to improve soil health and plant growth.

   

3.Green Manure:Green manure is made by growing specific crops, such as legumes, and then tilling them into the soil before they reach maturity. Green manure is rich in nitrogen, and it also helps to improve soil structure and water-holding capacity.

   

4.Crop Residue: Crop residue is made up of the leftover plant material after a crop has been harvested. It is rich in organic matter and nutrients, and it can be left on the field to decompose naturally or used as a mulch or compost.

 

5.Biogas Slurry: Biogas slurry is a byproduct of the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, such as animal manure or food waste. It is rich in nutrients and organic matter, and it can be used as a fertilizer for crops.

   

6. Worm Castings: Worm castings are the waste produced by earthworms when they consume organic matter. They are rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, and they can be used as a soil amendment or fertilizer.  

Importance & Advantages of Organic Manure

Organic manure is important for several reasons, including:

    • Improved soil health.
 
    • Sustainable agriculture.
 
    • Increased nutrient availability.
 
    • Improved crop yield.
 
    • Reduced environmental impact
 
    • Slow-release of nutrients.
 
    • Cost-effective
 
  • Increased soil microorganism activity.
 

The major use of organic manure in agriculture has numerous advantages that can benefit both the farmer and the environment. Overall, organic manure is an important tool for promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, improving soil health, and increasing crop yield and quality.

Check out how Rajshree Sugars processes organic manure originating from the aerobic solid-state fermentation of sugar industry press mud using concentrated spent wash, a by-product of the distillery industry.

 

FAQs

1. How is Organic Manure Formed?

 

Organic manure is formed by the decomposition of organic matter, such as animal waste, crop residues, food waste, and other plant materials. During the decomposition process, microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down the organic matter into simpler compounds and release nutrients into the soil.

2. How is Organic Manure Obtained?

Organic manure can be obtained on a small scale, such as from a home garden, or on a larger scale, such as from a commercial farm. Organic manure can be obtained from various sources, including Animal waste, Crop residues, Food waste, Green manure, and Vermicomposting.