Topic: to poop or not to poop.

[Flunky]

Ahem.

Can anyone give me some advice as to when and how to add manure etc.

I have read that certain thing like different conditions.

Are there any rules of thumb about what to use and when ?

[manicscousers]

how well rotted is it, Flunky ?

[Flunky]

Thats the point. I have none but can get some not too sure how fresh (mmm) it is.

Was wondering if there are alternatives. I am trying (i emphasise TRYING) not to use non organic methods but would be prepared to suffer this for this year just to get started.

What do you guys think ?

[kt.]

Do not use fresh manure, it will burn your crop as it is too rich. Ensure it is rotted down at least 12 months. The stuff I use is 3-4 years old.

[antipodes]

oh do you really think it needs to be that old?? I got some from the riding stables, I suppose it had been outdoors for at least several weeks, but months, I don't think so. I put it out on the plots about 4 or 5 weeks before planting and the onions seem to be thriving in it. I think you are not supposed to put fresh (from the horse's bum) straight on the foliage!! But after a couple of weeks mixed in with the soil, it breaks down pretty quickly, at least mine did... but that is my two cents worth...
I am going to get some more soon for the summer feeders (toms, squash, melons) and it won't sit on my plot for 3 years!!!!

[manicscousers]

depends on what you're planting as well, flunky, we dig a spade's depth hole, put fresh stuff in, cover over with the soil and leave it to settle until time to plant squash, courgettes, cucumbers and melons (undercover)..they seem to like the heat  ;D
well rotted, we use as a mulch around loads of things and to earth up the spuds with some grass cuttings added  ;D
just depends on what it's like

[PAULW]

You could build a pallet compost bin and fill it with manure this will be nice stuff by the winter, I fill my dalek compost bins I have 11 bins and have loads of lovely compost.

[kt.]

it won't sit on my plot for 3 years!!!!

Did not sit on mine neither. Got it this old on delivery. Our supplier has tons and does not deliver anything less than 18 months old.

[Flunky]

Ok so to sum up. Am I right in thinking too late for fresh manure to go straight in.

I am getting some palletts at the weekend for my compost. so will start this ASAP.

I am growing all the basics beans, peas, potatoes, onions etc nothing too extravagant.

Thanks For the replies. Any other info will be greatly rcvd.

[Baaaaaaaa]

I had some fresh stuff last year, and when I say fresh, it was still humming.

After I'd covered the potatoes with soil, I laid it on top. 1) as a mulch (weed prevention, moisture retention etc.) and 2) as a feed, when it rained (and boy, did it last year) it would wash nutrients down to the roots.

If I'd put it in with the tubers at planting, it would have scorched the roots.

[Flunky]

So fresh stuff is ok provding it does not touch the things I am growing.

Any other ideas ?

[flowerofshona2007]

Rabbit and guinea pig manure is far higher in nutrients than cow or horse !! It heats up quicker as it has a higher urine content and normally has hay/paper/ included  :) Having 70 guinea pigs the allotment is going to get plenty of it and its brilliant to put in the bean trenches ect !
Like Pauls one of our new plots has nothing in it but will be getting plenty now  ;D

[flowerofshona2007]

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF COMMON MATERIALS  Material Nitrogen % Phosphorus % Potassium % Comments
Chicken Manure (fresh) 1.6 1.5 0.9 Compost, or delay planting at least 3 wks.
Cow Manure (fresh) 0.3 0.2 0.1 Compost, or delay planting at least 3 wks.
Horse Manure (fresh) 0.7 0.3 0.6 Compost, or delay planting at least 3 wks.
Pig Manure (fresh) 0.5 0.3 0.5 Compost, or delay planting at least 3 wks.
Rabbit Manure (fresh) 2.4 1.4 0.6 Compost, or delay planting at least 3 wks.
Sheep Manure (fresh) 0.7 0.3 0.9 Compost, or delay planting at least 3 wks.
Worm Castings 0.5 0.5 0.3 High in organic matter. Already Composted





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Table 2: Approximate composition of organic fertilizers.*
Fertilizer Percent composition
N P2O5 K2O
Cow manure 0.5-2.0 0.2-0.9 0.5-1.5
Horse manure 0.5-2.5 0.3-2.5 0.5-3.0
Sheep manure 1.0-4.0 1.0-2.5 1.0-3.0
Rabbit manure, dry 2.3 1.4 0.8
Poultry manure 1.1-6.0 0.5-4.0 0.5-3.0
Dried blood 12.0-14.5 0.4-1.5 0.6
Hog manure 0.3-0.5 0.2-0.4 0.4-0.5
*Actual percent composition depends upon moisture content, bedding and/or litter materials.