Manure is organic matter that is used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Most manure consists of animal feces; other sources include compost and green manure. Manures contribute to the fertility of soil by adding organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are utilised by bacteria, fungi and other organisms in the soil. Higher organisms then feed on the fungi and bacteria in a chain of life that comprises the soil food web.
Animal manure is often a mixture of animal feces and bedding straw, as in this example from a stable.
Concrete reservoirs, one new, and one containing cow manure mixed with water. This is common in rural Hainan Province, China.
Compost containing turkey manure and wood chips from bedding material is dried and then applied to pastures for fertilizer.
Pile of animal manure on a wall.
Organic fertilizers are fertilizers that are naturally produced. Fertilizers are materials that can be added to soil or plants, in order to provide nutrients and sustain growth. Typical organic fertilizers include all animal waste including meat processing waste, manure, slurry, and guano; plus plant based fertilizers such as compost; and biosolids. Inorganic "organic fertilizers" include minerals and ash. The organic-mess refers to the Principles of Organic Agriculture, which determines whether a fertilizer can be used for commercial organic agriculture, not whether the fertilizer consists of organic compounds.
A cement reservoir containing cow manure mixed with water. This is common in rural Hainan Province, China. Note the bucket on a stick that the farmer uses to apply the mixture.
Liming soil
Bone meal and meat meal can be added to soil to stimulate root growth and to release phosphorus.
A large commercial compost operation
