Rotted Manure

Categories: CARE OF STABLE MANURE

Mixed stable manure contains in a ton as many pounds of

potash as it does of nitrogen, and yet we speak of it as a highly

nitrogenous fertilizer. When fresh manure has suffered no loss of the

liquid part, much of its nitrogen is almost immediately available. The

nitrogen in the urine is in soluble forms, and fermentation quickly

occurs. When manure is used on grass, it cannot be too fresh, as the

immediate action of th nitrogen is desirable. Vegetable growers often

prefer a slower and more continuous action, and the rotting of manure

under right conditions changes the liquid nitrogen into compounds that

act more slowly.



The solid material in horse manure contains less water than that of the

cow, and this absence of water permits quick fermentation when air is

present. The use of large quantities of such manure per acre is not

liked by vegetable-growers. Rotting under control in a covered barnyard

has a beneficial effect for this reason when a hot manure is not

wanted. The covered shed costs some money, and there is a loss

estimated at 10 per cent under the best conditions, but when manure

cannot be drawn fast as made, there is compensation in improved

condition for certain soils and crops.