Pick and Write [Agricultural Word]👉#02|| Manure Management

INTRODUCTION

Manures play a crucial role in farming. whether it is organic or inorganic manures, both are useful in enhancing the growth and yields of our crop.

Every year, farmers often run short or inadequate fertilizer input. This challenge makes them to seek alternative inputs to ensure their crops yield better output for them.

I decided to write on the topic of manure because, as farmers, whether large or small small, preparations are under way for this year's farming season. Manure and manure management is one of issues we would handle as the farming season approaches. So for me, the timing, the title and the topic I have chosen to write on, is apt

Before I dive into manure management, I would like to throw some light on what manures are. Although we make use of it, we still need to understand what manures are made up of. I know this may be of a help for those who may want to go into farming and get to know manures that are could be applied to plants.

What is Manure?
Manure is any substance which could be applied to the soil in order to boost soil fertility to make plants grow well and produce good yields. When manure is supplied to soil, it makes for improved soil fertility and structure, and makes the soil absorb more water.

The sources of Manure could be gotten from organic and inorganic means. The organic sources of manure is derived from the remains of animals and their carcases.

Some sources of Organic manures

Organic manures are gotten from the materials outlined below:

• Carcases from poultry birds and animals

• Decomposed house wastes known as compost manure.

• Using worms to break down organic wastes refered to as vermicompost

• The mixtures of animal excretions such as feaces or dungs, urine and dead grasses to form farm yard manure

On the other hand, inorganic manure is derived from chemical materials to support plants growth and yields. This manure is or fertilizer is made from the following:

• Potassium
• NPK fertilizers
• Super phosphate
• Urea
  These fertilizers are made from chemical formulations.

Now having outlined the types of manures used by farmers, let me now discuss about manures management.

Manure Management

Manures when managed effectively, would give a better yield. This means that if manure is not well managed, it could lead to low farm produce.

The images in this article show how I decided to manage the organic manure that I have, as I prepare for this year's farming season. As I highlighted on organic manure above, this manure I have here is mixture of some animal wastes, dead plants and grasses. In addition to it are some household wastes I stored. All these were left to decompose and now mixed together to form the fertilizer you are seeing in the picture.

These are some ways I manage my organic formulated manures effectively to enhance my crop yields:

• Provide good storage system
  Store the manure in a container or bags and keep it in enclosed or shade area in order for not to lose its nutrients.

• Allow the organic matters to decompose properly

• Make hedges around the farm to prevent rain from washing away the soil nutrients

• Make proper application timing
  Ensure the organic manure is well circulated and mixed with the soil some weeks before planting on the soil.

• Inorganic manures should not be applied to the soil before planting. It should be applied in the course of plants growth.

• Do not over use the manures
  Over application of the manures to the soil can burn the plants and make the soil lose fertility. Always apply the right proportion of manures to the soil or plants.

• Organic matters are better buried in the ground

• For a better yield, you can mix organic and inorganic manures together

These are some of the ways I believe that manures could be well managed. All the debris from plants and animals that I collected last since last year, i am now formulating them to prepare my farm for planting.

One of the benefits for me using the formulated organic manure is that to a large extent, it reduces costs that would have been uncured purchasing the inorganic fertilizers.

I encourage my fellow farmers to embrace the combination of the organic and inorganic manures application.

I now invite the following persons to participate in this contest:
@lilly1
@peacemike
@manuelhooks