Benefits of cow manure compared to commercial fertiliser – Posted in: Uncategorized

The most important element for plant development is nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen plays a major part in the development of chlorophyll and the associated green colour that plants have. It is responsible for lush, vigorous growth and the development of dense vegetation. Although nitrogen is the most abundant element in our atmosphere, plants can’t use it until it is naturally processed in the soil, or added as fertiliser.

In organic farming, particular types of grasses or legumes, or cow manure are used to fix nitrogen back into soil. Since the 1950s, much of modern farming has become dependent on artificial industrially manufactured fertilisers (not used in organic systems) to add nitrogen back into the soil. According to the 2011 European Nitrogen Assessment, which reported a study by 200 scientists investigating the unprecedented changes humans have made to the global nitrogen cycle over the last century, too much nitrogen harms both environment and the economy.

Nitrogen applied in the form of manure fosters favourable soil microbes, which are indicative of healthy, fertile soil. Manufactured fertilisers infuse the soil with more nitrogen than the plants can use and the excess is washed into rivers and streams. Because cow manure contains organic matter not included in chemical fertilisers, it contributes to improving the soil’s structure and water-retaining capacity. Manure also has the ability to improve declining organic soil structure and components, according to the University of Minnesota Extension.

Surface application of cow manure contributes to the improved structure of the soil. It helps to reduce erosion from water run-off similar to that of crops or applied mulch. Chemical fertilisers contain no organic soil amendments and do nothing to improve the structure of the soil.

Commercially manufactured nitrogen requires high amounts of carbon-based energy to create. Recycling cow manure by using it to fertilise and improve the structure of the soil uses little to no carbon-based energy.