Q.
What is the range of N-P-K value in cow manure that I see some landscapers use
for grass?
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| Manure can be a valuable source of many different plant nutrients, good and bad microorganisms, |
and organics. It is best composted first but in a pinch you can use it raw. Just be careful.
A.
The fertilizer content (N-P-K value) of steer or cow manure varies because of
what they eat and how the manure is collected and processed. It is considered
“low” in fertilizer content as far as fertilizers go. It would take a very
small amount of bagged fertilizer to equal the fertilizer content in a ton of manure.
Both manures contain about 4% nitrogen and lesser amounts of phosphorus (P
value) and potassium (K value). They can both be high in salts and rich in both
good and bad microorganisms.
Difference Between Cow and Steer Manure
There is a difference between steer and
cow manure. Cow manure is typically derived from cows used for dairy farming.
Steer manure is derived from cows fed for meat production. Steer manure
typically contains more salt than cow manure and it is considered “hotter” when
applying it to plants.
Value of Manure
The value in manure is due more to its
potential for soil enrichment rather than its N-P-K content. For that reason, it can be mixed into a “hot”
compost pile. The heat from these compost piles will help to change the
microorganism content and decrease or possibly eliminate those microorganisms
which are a potential human health problem.
Research has shown that applications of
composted manure can reduce lawn diseases due to its high microorganism count. Application
of dry manure is done best with a barrel-type compost spreader.