How to age manure for use on vegetables
I recently purchased some cattle manure with the aim of aging it and adding it to the soil for is growing veggies. I have dumped it all on tarp and soaked it as it was drying out a little. How long do I need to age it for before it is ready to use? I’m not in a great rush, I have plenty space so thats not an issue, I just want to do it right. Also, how often do I need to turn it and should I continue to add water?
Posted
by: George Gifford
(3 points)
Posted: May 11, 2013
Answers
Hi George! To age your manure, compost it much the same way you would a regular pile of compost. Put it in a heap, atop a bed of twigs and branches directly on the ground so that beneficial microbes and worms can do their work. Add plenty of dry materials such as leaves, dry lawn clippings, and/or shredded newspaper. Age your manure for at least 6 months before using it in your gardens.
For more information check out the following link:
http://www.gardenguides.com/99390-cow...
Happy Gardening!
For more information check out the following link:
http://www.gardenguides.com/99390-cow...
Happy Gardening!
Posted
by: Samantha Burns
(15 points)
Posted: May 13, 2013
A good sign that compost is "ready" is the presence of earthworms in it.
Posted
by: Susan League, UF/IFAS Sumter Program Assistant
(1 point)
Posted: May 13, 2013
First I would ask if it is pure cow manure or what has been cleaned out of a stale? This makes a difference because the best thing to do is to compost your cow manure. If it is pure than you need to about about 20 times the amount of carbon to get a good ratio, if it is mixed I would cut that number in half. The regulators in our state allow straight application of manure onto fields if no plant is going to be harvested for 100 days. It might be good to just till in the manure into a garden area that you would use for fall planting.
Posted
by: David Lawson
(5 points)
Posted: May 13, 2013
You need to log in if you'd like to add an answer or comment.
0 Comments