Farmyard manure is an organic manure made from animal waste and other materials collected around the farm. It is commonly prepared from animal dung, urine, bedding materials, leftover feed, grass, and other farm waste. When these materials decompose properly, they form a dark, nutrient-rich material that can be added to the soil.
Farmyard manure is useful in crop production because it improves soil fertility and also helps improve the physical condition of the soil. It supplies nutrients needed by crops and adds organic matter to the soil. Farmers can prepare it using materials that are already available on the farm, making it an important source of manure for both small and large farms.
Unlike inorganic fertilizers, which are usually produced and sold as specific nutrient products, farmyard manure contains a mixture of nutrients and organic matter. The amount of nutrients it supplies depends on the animals used, the feed they receive, the bedding materials, and how the manure is stored and prepared.
What Is Farmyard Manure?
Farmyard manure is decomposed animal waste mixed with bedding materials and other farm materials. It is mainly obtained from cattle, goats, sheep, horses, pigs, poultry, and other farm animals.
The manure usually contains animal dung and urine together with materials such as straw, dry grass, leaves, sawdust, and crop residues. These materials are allowed to decompose before the finished manure is applied to the soil.
During decomposition, microorganisms break down the waste materials. This process changes the fresh waste into a more stable material that can be safely used around crops when it is properly prepared.
Farmyard manure is therefore an important form of organic manure used to improve soil fertility and support crop growth.
Materials Used to Prepare Farmyard Manure
Several materials can be used to prepare this manure. The materials available may differ from one farm to another.
Common materials include:
- Animal dung
- Animal urine
- Bedding materials
- Dry grass
- Straw
- Leaves
- Crop residues
- Weeds without mature seeds
- Sawdust
- Leftover animal feed
- Other decomposable farm waste
Animal dung and urine provide nutrients, while bedding materials and plant residues add organic matter. The mixture of these materials helps produce good-quality manure after decomposition.
How Farmyard Manure Is Prepared
The preparation involves collecting suitable farm waste and allowing it to decompose under proper conditions. Good preparation helps the materials break down and produces manure that is suitable for use on the farm.
1. Select a Suitable Site
The first step is to select a suitable place for collecting and storing the materials. The site should be close enough to the animal house to make transportation easy.
It should not be located where rainwater can easily wash the manure away. A slightly raised and well-drained area is better because it reduces the loss of nutrients.
2. Collect Animal Waste
Dung and urine from farm animals are collected regularly. Bedding materials such as straw, dry grass, leaves, or sawdust may also be collected from the animal house.
The waste should be gathered carefully so that useful materials are not lost. The collected materials are then taken to the manure pit or heap.
3. Prepare the Manure Pit or Heap
A farmer may prepare the manure in a pit or in a properly arranged heap. A pit can help keep the materials together and reduce the amount of material lost during decomposition.
Where a pit is not suitable, the materials can be placed on a suitable piece of land and arranged into a heap. The site should be protected from excessive rain and direct washing away of nutrients.
4. Arrange the Materials
The collected materials are placed in layers. Animal dung can be mixed with plant materials such as dry grass, straw, leaves, and crop residues.
Water may be added when the materials are too dry. The aim is to provide enough moisture for microorganisms to break down the materials.
The heap should not be too dry or too wet. Too much water can reduce proper aeration, while very dry materials may decompose slowly.
5. Allow Decomposition
The materials are left to decompose. Microorganisms act on the organic materials and gradually change them into manure.
During this period, the materials become softer and darker. The original materials become difficult to recognize as decomposition continues.
6. Turn the Heap
The manure heap may be turned from time to time. Turning helps mix the materials and allows air to reach different parts of the heap.
Proper aeration supports decomposition and helps the materials break down more evenly. If some parts of the heap are too dry, a small amount of water can be added.
7. Allow the Manure to Mature
The manure should be allowed to decompose properly before it is used. Mature manure is usually dark, crumbly, and has a more earthy smell.
Fresh animal waste should not be confused with well-decomposed farmyard manure. Proper decomposition helps make the material more suitable for application to the soil.
Characteristics of Good Farmyard Manure
Good-quality manure has some noticeable features. It is usually dark in colour and has a loose or crumbly texture.
It should be well decomposed, without large amounts of fresh animal waste or recognizable plant materials. It should also have an earthy smell rather than a strong smell of fresh animal waste.
Good manure should not contain harmful materials such as plastics, glass, metals, or other non-decomposable waste.
Nutrients Found in Farmyard Manure
Farmyard manure contains several nutrients needed by plants. The exact nutrient content varies depending on the animal source and the materials used.
Important nutrients may include:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sulphur
- Small amounts of other nutrients
Nitrogen supports leaf and stem growth. Phosphorus is important for root development and other plant processes, while potassium supports several functions involved in healthy plant growth.
The manure also adds organic matter to the soil. This is one of its major benefits because organic matter helps improve the condition of the soil.
Advantages of Farmyard Manure
Farmyard manure has many benefits in crop production and soil management.
1. It Improves Soil Fertility
One major advantage is that it adds nutrients to the soil. As the organic materials decompose, nutrients are released gradually and become available to crops.
This makes the manure useful for maintaining soil fertility, especially where crops are grown repeatedly and nutrients are removed from the soil during harvest.
2. It Adds Organic Matter to the Soil
The manure increases the amount of organic matter in the soil. Organic matter is important for maintaining good soil structure and supporting soil organisms.
Regular addition of organic materials can help maintain healthier soil over time.
3. It Improves Soil Structure
Farmyard manure can help improve soil structure by adding organic materials. It can make heavy soils easier to work and improve the condition of loose soils.
Good soil structure creates better conditions for roots to grow and spread.
4. It Improves Water-Holding Capacity
Soils containing enough organic matter can hold more water than soils with very little organic matter. This can help reduce the speed at which water is lost from the soil.
The benefit can be especially useful during periods when rainfall is low.
5. It Improves Soil Aeration
The addition of organic matter can create spaces within the soil. These spaces allow air and water to move through the soil.
Good aeration is important because plant roots need oxygen for healthy growth.
6. It Encourages Soil Organisms
Farmyard manure provides organic materials that can support many useful soil organisms. These organisms help break down organic matter and contribute to nutrient cycling in the soil. A healthy population of soil organisms can support better soil activity.
7. It Helps Reduce Dependence on Chemical Fertilizers
Farmers can use organic manure as part of their soil fertility management instead of depending only on inorganic fertilizers.
This does not mean that chemical fertilizers are always unnecessary. In some farming situations, combining organic manure with suitable fertilizers may provide better nutrient management.
8. It Makes Use of Farm Waste
Animal waste, bedding materials, crop residues, and other decomposable materials can be turned into a useful farm input instead of being thrown away. This helps reduce waste around the farm and gives farmers another way to improve their soil.
9. It Releases Nutrients Gradually
The nutrients in organic manure are generally released as the material decomposes. This can provide nutrients over a longer period compared with some readily soluble fertilizers.
The rate of nutrient release depends on factors such as moisture, temperature, decomposition, and the type of materials used.
10. It Can Improve Crop Growth
When applied properly to nutrient-deficient soil, the manure can improve soil conditions and provide nutrients needed for crop growth. Healthy soil supports better root development and can help crops make better use of available water and nutrients.
Uses of Farmyard Manure
Farmyard manure is used in different ways in crop production and soil management.
1. As a Soil Fertilizer
It is applied to farmland to add nutrients and organic matter. Farmers may spread it over the field before planting and mix it into the soil. This allows the material to begin breaking down in the soil and release nutrients for crops.
2. For Improving Poor Soil
Soils that have lost much of their organic matter may benefit from regular applications of organic manure. It can help improve soil structure, water retention, and general soil condition.
3. In Vegetable Production
Farmyard manure is commonly used when preparing land for vegetables. Crops such as tomatoes, pepper, okra, cabbage, and other vegetables can benefit from fertile soil with good organic matter.
The manure should be properly decomposed before being used around crops.
4. In Nursery Beds
Well-decomposed manure can be mixed with soil when preparing suitable nursery beds. Good soil condition helps young plants develop healthy roots. The manure should be mature and free from harmful materials.
5. In Orchards
Farmers may apply manure around fruit trees to improve soil fertility and add organic matter. It can be placed around the root zone while avoiding direct contact with the trunk.
6. During Land Preparation
The manure can be applied before planting and incorporated into the soil during land preparation. This gives the organic materials time to begin breaking down.
7. For Maintaining Soil Productivity
Regular use of organic manure can help maintain the organic matter content of farmland. This is useful in areas where continuous cultivation can reduce soil quality.
Farmyard Manure and Organic Manure
Farmyard manure is a type of organic manure, but the two terms do not mean exactly the same thing.
Organic manure is a broad term for manure made from natural organic materials. Farmyard manure is one type of organic manure that mainly comes from animal waste and materials collected from animal housing.
Other examples of organic manure include compost, green manure, and poultry manure. Therefore, all farmyard manure is organic manure, but not all organic manure is farmyard manure.
Difference Between Farmyard Manure and Chemical Fertilizer
Farmyard manure and chemical fertilizers both provide nutrients to plants, but they are different in several ways.
Farmyard manure is made from decomposed organic materials, while chemical fertilizers are manufactured or processed to provide specific nutrients.
Farmyard manure contains organic matter and a mixture of nutrients. Chemical fertilizers usually contain nutrients in more concentrated and specific amounts.
Farmyard manure mainly helps improve soil condition as well as supply nutrients. Chemical fertilizers mainly provide nutrients quickly and in known amounts.
Both can have a place in good soil fertility management when they are used correctly.
Factors That Affect the Quality of Farmyard Manure
The quality of the finished manure depends on several factors.
Type of Animal
Different animals produce waste with different nutrient contents. The type of animal feed also affects the quality of the waste.
Type of Bedding Material
Materials such as straw, dry grass, leaves, and sawdust affect the composition of the finished manure.
Moisture
Decomposition requires suitable moisture. Very dry materials may decompose slowly, while excessive water can create poor conditions for decomposition.
Aeration
Microorganisms need suitable conditions to break down the materials. Turning the heap can help improve air movement.
Length of Decomposition
Manure that has not decomposed properly may not have the same benefits as mature manure. Giving the materials enough time to decompose helps produce better-quality material.
Storage Conditions
Poor storage can lead to nutrient losses. Rain can wash nutrients away, while exposure to unsuitable conditions can reduce the quality of the manure.
How to Apply Farm yard Manure
Farmyard manure can be applied in different ways depending on the crop and farming system.
One common method is to spread the manure over the field before planting. It can then be mixed with the soil during land preparation.
It can also be placed in planting holes or around crops where suitable. When applying it around established plants, the manure should not be placed directly against the stem or trunk.
The amount to apply depends on the condition of the soil, the crop being grown, the quality of the manure, and local farming recommendations.
Precautions When Using Manure
Farmers should take some precautions when preparing and applying manure.
- Use well-decomposed manure where possible.
- Keep plastics, glass, metals, and other unwanted materials out of the manure.
- Store the manure where rain cannot easily wash it away.
- Avoid placing fresh manure directly against young plants.
- Wash hands after handling manure.
- Keep manure away from sources of drinking water.
- Avoid using manure contaminated with harmful substances.
- Apply manure at a suitable time before or during crop production.
Importance of Farmyard Manure in Sustainable Agriculture
Farmyard manure can support sustainable farming because it makes use of materials that are already available on many farms. Instead of treating animal waste and crop residues only as waste, farmers can turn them into useful soil amendments.
It also helps return organic materials to the soil. This can support soil fertility and improve the physical condition of farmland over time.
Using organic manure together with other good farming practices such as crop rotation, proper soil management, erosion control, and suitable fertilizer use can help farmers maintain productive soils.
Summary
Farmyard manure is a type of organic manure prepared mainly from animal dung, urine, bedding materials, crop residues, and other decomposable farm waste. The materials are collected, arranged, moistened when necessary, and allowed to decompose until they form mature manure.
It supplies nutrients and adds organic matter to the soil. It can improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, aeration, and soil biological activity. It is also useful for reducing farm waste and maintaining soil fertility.
Good preparation and proper storage are important because they help reduce nutrient losses and improve the quality of the finished manure. Farmers should use well-decomposed material and apply it properly to get the best results.
Revision Questions
- What is farmyard manure?
- Mention five materials used in preparing farmyard manure.
- State five steps involved in the preparation of farmyard manure.
- Mention four characteristics of good farmyard manure.
- List five nutrients that may be found in farmyard manure.
- State five advantages of farmyard manure.
- Mention four uses of farmyard manure.
- What is organic manure?
- Give three examples of organic manure.
- State the difference between farmyard manure and chemical fertilizer.
- Mention four factors that affect the quality of farmyard manure.
- State five precautions to take when using farmyard manure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is farmyard manure an organic manure?
Yes. Farmyard manure is a type of organic manure. It is mainly made from animal waste, bedding materials, and other decomposable materials collected around the farm.
What animals can provide materials for farmyard manure?
Cattle, goats, sheep, horses, pigs, poultry, and other farm animals can provide materials used in preparing farmyard manure.
How long does farmyard manure take to decompose?
The time varies depending on the materials used, moisture, temperature, aeration, and management of the manure heap. It should be allowed to decompose properly before use.
What is the main benefit of farmyard manure?
One major benefit is that it adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil. It can also improve soil structure and water-holding capacity.
Can farmyard manure replace chemical fertilizer?
It can supply nutrients, but its nutrient content is usually less concentrated and more variable than chemical fertilizer. Farmers may use organic manure alone or combine it with suitable fertilizers depending on the needs of the soil and crop.
What is the difference between farmyard manure and organic manure?
Organic manure is a broad group of manures made from organic materials. Farmyard manure is one type of organic manure, mainly made from animal waste and materials collected from animal housing.
Why should farmyard manure be well decomposed?
Proper decomposition makes the material more stable and suitable for use. Mature manure is also easier to handle and mix with the soil.
Can farmyard manure improve soil structure?
Yes. Adding organic matter can help improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and aeration, creating better conditions for plant roots.
Is farmyard manure good for crop production?
Yes. When it is properly prepared and applied, it can improve soil fertility and provide organic matter and nutrients that support crop production.
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