 | Animal dung and urine—known as manure—may be the most important agents of any compost pile. An ancient means to a fertile end, manure has been used by gardeners and farmers alike for centuries. As a successful compost ingredient, manure has few rivals. The only ironic fact about manure is that so much of it is wasted and not used in the garden to its full potential.
You may be surprised to learn that one hog, on average, will produce over three thousand pounds of manure per year. Pigs, cattle, rabbits, horses, goats and sheep are some of the most common sources of usable manure. The reason while dung is an important ingredient in a compost heap is because its valuable bacteria breaks down other materials in the heap making it better suited to the soil. Because of disease potential, the manure of dogs and cats should never be used for gardening purposes.
The manure of different animals is not always the same however. The better the quality feed given to the animals, the better quality the manure. Like fertilizer, the components of different manure types will contribute differing elements to your soil. Generally, manure is valued for the nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid it is known to contain. Also, fresh manure and rotted manure will have different effects in your compost heap so you will want to check into which is best for your soil.
As a rule, the manure of chickens is richest in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. You have to compost these droppings though. You might try adding them to straw, corncobs and leaves to make your compost, but it will make a rich humus. Be sure not to collect any old chicken house droppings; it could be a place for the spores of human respiratory disease to develop. The best poop seems to come with the greatest risks.
Cattle manure is not as potent as the manure of other animals. It has a high water content and a low nitrogen content. It also ferments slowly. Cow manure is used because it is quite rich in helpful microorganisms.
Horse and sheep manure are very much alike. When used, it should be composted with other kinds of manure. Be sure to add moisture to it. Both are dry, but quite rich in nutrients.
Rabbit manure is also an excellent compost ingredient. It is very high in nitrogen and decomposes easily. Since its nitrogen levels are so high, it should be used in small quantities.
Pig and hog manure is not quite as rich in nitrogen as even horse manure. It ferments slowly and is best composted with other manure.
Manure can be bought locally from farmers and livestock keepers if you yourself do not keep any of the appropriate animals. Stables and poultry farms are ideal places to check out and generally charge little to nothing—so long as you haul it away. Commercial sites like stockyards may also sell packaged manure you can buy. Manure is best, but if you cannot get it easily, be sure to use a nitrogen-rich subsititute.
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