Can an allotments have too much stable manure? I have covered plot each autumn ( 10 years) and then removed straw to paths or dug in straw in the spring. This year I'm having terrible problems. Seeds don't come up or come up patchy. Things just aren't growing as they used to. OK - it's been a cold, wet, windy spring and not much of a summer. And the slug problem is worse than I can remember - possibly due to a mild winter?
But the question is - could it also be too much stable manure?
Can you provide a pic of the leaves of the plants that are growing in it? Are any of the leaves curling upwards or are misshapen?
In a word, yes.
The soil can get too acidic and veges will not grow well.
Most books suggest well composted manure and used only for specific crops (potatoes, sweetcorn + others). Some crops prefer ground that was manured for the previous crop and nothing else since (carrots+ others).
You don't mention how deep the cover of manure is or whether the whole allotment is covered.
There is also the difficulty as to whether the stable manure contains wood shavings. The shavings take nitrogen out of the ground while it is rotting down (so I understand).
One benefit is that weeds probably grow like h**l so you will have plenty to make your own compost.
regards
Bill
Just popped in for a sarnie as I went to get a trailer of manure and the farmer said it will only be there until the end of the week then it is all being moved and scattered on the fields. So all hands on deck for moving 4 trailers a day, two tons. It is sheep and cow manure and the heap has been there for at least 3 years. Well rotted, I shall spread it a foot thick right through the plots where I don't have crops and heap the rest up for later use. I have no qualms about using it. It is so crumbly I reckon you would pay a fiver a bag from a garden centre. I have found in the past even growing flowers etc. that dry and dusty as a top dressing, wet and lumpy needs digging in and waiting at least 6 months. Better go and get another load, at least it is only 5 mins from the allotment.
Ace - You are making me jealous!
With regard to the OP - you manure could be contaminated - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=477
I too would be hesitant putting a complete layer of fairly new manure on the ground every year. When I am using it I lay it in the inter row area between plants and allow time, worms and other garden critters to move it around or into the soil as they see fit. Otherwise stockpile it so it breaks down before using then only a thin layer across the soil so you can still see some existing soil particles underneath.
Steer clear of wood shavings too because they do draw N and other nutrients out of the soil as they degrade, only later (months to years) all becoming available to the plants again. Composting stable manure with animal urine in it is ideal for lowering the very high levels of N back to more suitable levels for garden plants.
Thank you for your comments. No, the leaves aren't curling or anything like that so I don't think there's anything extra nasty in the manure. And there are no wood shavings. I have almost covered the plot (120 sq.m.) every year, and mostly it has smothered all weeds. About 6 - 9 inches in depth. The idea of not doing it one year appeals to me, as I fetch it by hand from the nearby riding school!
I do find it odd that after so many years you suddenly have a problem.
We have had very cold morning and lots of things seem to be very slow. I planted some runner beans and only five appeared. I can not blame manure.
The soil in your plot must be very deep by now.