Is Steer Manure Compost As a Fertilizer Safe for a Vegetable Garden?
- Earthworms and soil microorganisms thrive on organic material and in return, excrete the waste as a form that is just right for the plants to use as food. Composted manure is one of the favorites of the soil-dwellers, and adding it to the soil almost guarantees that you will have a large and healthy micro-herd to further decompose it to usable chemical compounds. As a straight fertilizer, steer manure is not very potent, but as a soil conditioner and a fertilizer booster it is among the best that can be added.
- Fresh steer manure may have pathological microorganisms that is best kept away from vegetables. The salt content is also high, which may burn plant roots. The heat created within the manure as it composts kills any harmful bacterial. Dewey Carson of the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension recommends against using fresh manure while growing carrots, as it will cause the carrots to have crooked forms.
- Composted manure is best worked into the soil in the fall. This allows time for the microorganisms to work on it and break it down for the plant use. Manure. like other organic fertilizers, is not an "overnight" product. Mixing it in the fall also allows time for any leftover harmful bacteria to die, and for salts to leech out. Add approximately 1 lb. per square foot of garden, and mix it into the top 6 inches of the soil. If you must add it in the spring time leave at least two weeks between adding it and setting out the plants.
- Other animal manure can also be added to the garden. Chicken has the highest potency and the most rapid decomposition. It should be used carefully. Swine has the same availability of nutrients as cattle manure without the problem of possible weed seeds. It also decomposes faster. Composting fresh manure in the backyard is easy and does not produce an offensive odor if you have enough carbon-materials such as leaves, hay, straw or even shredded cardboard or newspaper. Mix all the ingredients together in an out-of-the-way spot and turn over every few weeks.