Cow dung manure is the most widely used organic fertilizer. Mixes up with hay, straw, and sawdust. It is added to any kind of soil almost at any time of the year. It can also be diluted with water and used for irrigation. The composition and quality of manure depend on the storage method, type of feed, and bedding.
Litter can improve the properties of the manure. The most valuable bedding material is peat. When used as bedding shavings and sawdust, the manure contains less nitrogen and decomposes more slowly.
Storage conditions affect the quality of the manure. When stored in open loose heaps or in bags, manure loses up to 50% nitrogen in six months, and the content of useful organic substances decreases. To avoid such losses, manure is compacted to remove air gaps, which prevents the development of microflora and contributes to the preservation of ammonia nitrogen.
The duration of storage significantly affects the quality of the manure. Over time, the amount of nitrogen and nutrients in its composition decreases.
Distinguish the degree of decomposition of manure:
- Fresh – it is not recommended for them to fertilize the soil, you can “burn” the plants, you need to let the manure perepilat.
- Half rotted – suitable for fertilizing most types of horticultural and horticultural crops. Received after 3-4 months of storage under special conditions.
- Completely rotted manure or humus – all trace elements are well absorbed by plants. Received within 6-12 months, depending on the storage method.
Cow dung, as a fertilizer, not only adds macro-and microelements useful and necessary for plants to the soil but also contributes to the improvement of the physical and mechanical properties of the soil.
Manure can be added to any type of soil almost all year round. Fresh manure can be used as liquid plant food. To do this, dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10, let it brew for about 7 days so that the nutrients go into the solution, and use it for irrigation.