In most rural areas, cow dung or simply cattle manure is used widely in gardens. However, when compared to others, cow manure isn’t actually rich in nitrogen, but it does have a rather high level of ammonia which can damage plants and burn them. Plants can easily be burned when cow manure is applied directly to them. Our article goes into more details about how to make fertilizer from cow manure.
A safe and effective way to use cow manure on plants is to compost it and you’ll essentially reap many benefits by doing so. Cow manure is literally made up of nutrients and organic materials. However, they do contain just around 3% nitrogen, 2% phosphorous and of course the famous 1% potassium. And as we’ve said before, it does actually contain quite a high level of ammonia as well as a series of dangerous pathogens.
Due to the above reasons, cow manure should be composted or aged to ensure that it is safe for use as a fertilizer. When properly composted, you’ll be able to make use of cow manure without worrying about weed seeds, pathogens and ammonia. And you’ll be able to easily add the compost to your soil and reap the organic benefits that come with it. However, as a result of the moisture holding capabilities, you’ll also be able to water your plants a lot less.
When you water your plants less, the fresh roots can easily use nutrients and water whenever they should need them. And you’ll also be improving the aeration for your plants since heavily compacted soil will be easily broken up. Composted manure also contains the beneficial bacteria that is required for converting your nutrients into an easily accessible form for your plants; and they prevent burning.
When it comes to the composting process, you’ll need to firstly select a location that is suitable for building a pile that is roughly a 4-foot square. It’s also good to keep in mind that you’ll also need to turn the pile so ensure that you have sufficient room. Next you’ll need to spread about 3 inches of dry organic material layer onto the square area. Then you’ll spread roughly 2 inches of cow manure.
You’re going to need to continue layering until your pile is about 4 feet in height. Then you’ll need to water your pile to ensure that it is completely damp even at the bottom. After you’ve dampened your pile, you’ll need to add a layer of soil. About every 3 days or so, you’re going to need to turn your compost pile in order to allow the flow of air into it.
You’ll also need to ensure that your pile stays moist. And you’ll need to periodically check the temperature when you turn it in order to keep the temperature at its optimum level. After the composting process is completed, you’ll see that it is dark brown, with an earth smell and it is quite crumbly.
As we conclude we have just looked at how to compost cow manure to turn it into fertilizer. And we have also discussed the many benefits of cow manure fertilizer. So, keep in mind that you can’t apply fresh cow manure until you’ve composted it!