Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
terrificsourceofpotash(potassium)andhasahighcarbontonitrogenratio-whichisideal
for most plants and perfect for tomatoes, fruit and berries.
If you are working a homestead or hobby farm then you almost certainly have access to
chicken manure! This is very rich in nitrogen and a fantastic addition to your compost. Be
sure though to let it rot for at least 1 year to kill off any parasites or eggs that may be in it;
also it needs this time to 'mellow' otherwise it is too strong in nitrogen for most plants to
tolerate.
When using manure of any kind you have the option to add it to your composting heap
while they are both still in the process of decomposing; or you may add the fully decom-
posed manure directly to your SFG as part of the mix.
When has manure decomposed enough to use?
You will know when the manure has finished decomposing when it has a deep 'earthy'
smell - not smelling of dung; and the material itself should be relatively dry and crumbly
when handled.
Ifitstillsmellsofdungthenithasnotfinisheddecomposingandshouldbeleftforafurther
few weeks or even months.
Here is a chart to show just what the different animal dungs 'bring to the table' with regard
to percentage values of nutrients.
NITROGEN PHOSPHORUS POTASH
Average farm-
yard manure
0.64
0.23
0.32
Pure pig dung
0.48
0.58
0.36
Pure cow dung
0.44
0.29
0.49
Horse Manure
0.49
0.29
0.58
Deep litter on
straw
0.80
0.55
0.48
Fresh Poultry
Dung
1.66
0.91
0.45
Pigeon Dung
5.84
2.10
1.77
