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Manure Problem
sea17
Posts: 10
in Fruit & veg
Hi,
So I got some cow manure off my neighbor the last day. I think its about a year/1.5 years old. I do not think its well rotted and i have now dug into the top few inchs of soil in one of my beds. I am concerned it will not break down in time for planting.
I intend to transplant in Kohl rabi, Calabrese and sprouting broccoli in about 4 weeks
My question is, because the manure I have used is not well rotted will it be ok for planting this summer? And is there anything I can do to help incorporate it into the soil over the next few weeks?
My soil type is brown clay
I will post some pics of the manure tomorrow and the bed tomorrow
Thanks
Seank
0
Posts
If it is 1 to 1 1/2 years old it should be reasonably rotted. If it is well buried in the soil the sol bacteria will break it down. The type of crops you are suggesting should do very well on Cow manure.
Hi iain, I think 6/12 months would be a safer bet as to the age actually. I have dug it into the surface of the soil.. do you think ill see a noticeable break down in the month or so?
I usually usually use seaweed this is my first time using animal manure.
Thanks ed I tried making a worm bin before, but I didnt fit a tap on the bottom for the tea so it didnt work great.
But the mesh I used inside kept getting clogged so it never drained properly I might try adjust it. I also have a comfrey bed mate
I make two teas, a seaweed and a comfrey one. And I mix the two together when applying to.my crops
Here is a sample of the manure. There Lot of plant matter still in. Any comments?
Last edited: 13 May 2017 11:14:41
Thanks again ed great thread
Looks pretty well rotted to me, sea17 and I'd have no worries planting brassicas into the ground you dug it into. If it smells like earth and not dung then it'll be fine.
Thanks bob. Its smell like earth, really pleasant I think the problem was that its a bit wet and clumping up so it spooked me a little. Next set broccoli will be going in in a few weeks so ill just work it with my hands between now and then. Do you think its best avoid manure when growing turnips? Given the.high nitrogen content
Yep, fine for turnips (which are brassicas anyway) but avoid planting carrots or parsnips there this year (next year will be fine) as those will fork in freshly manured soil.
Hi sea17,
If you used seaweed before you would have got great results on brassicas in particular. The Cow muck will last longer though. I am a big advocate of seaweed products but I have never been able to use the raw weed before (don't live near the sea). Would be very interested to know how your crops compare this time.