Organic Manure : An Overview Rahul Kumar and Shweta Vermiculture Research Station, Department of Zoology D.S. College (Dr. B.R.A. University) , Aligarh – 202001, Uttar Pradesh, India kmshweta3@yahoo.com

Organic Manure Organic manure is defined as the product resulting from the controlled biological decomposition of organic matter. Manure can be prepared from : yard trimmings biosolids (sewage sludge) wood by-products animals manures crop residues biodegradable packing food scraps

Characteristics of Organic Matter Organic matter is the key constitute of cultivated soils. It has profound influence on the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of soil.

Chemical Composition of Organic Matter Carbohydrates (sugar, starch, hemi-cellulose, pectins, gums, mucilages, etc.) Proteins, amino acids, amines, etc. Fats, oils, waxes, resins, etc. Alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, etc. Lignins Compounds containing ring structure (phenol, tennis, hydrocarbon) Alkaloids and compounds with organic base- pyrimidine and purines Miscellaneous substances like antibiotics, auxins, vitamins, enzymes and pigments

Nutritive Elements in different Organic Matters P K Cow dung manure 2.5 0.2 0.5 Compost urban 1.8 1.0 1.4 Compost rural 0.15 Night soil 5.5 4.0 2.0 Groundnut cake 7.3 Castor cake 4.3 2.4 2.3 Neem cake 5.2 sludge 3.5 0.6

Major sources of organic matter There are mainly three types of Organic Matter By product of agro-waste industries Industrial waste material Sugar factory waste Oil cake and bio gas slurry Livestock and human waste Farmyard manure Poultry manure Plants waste Crop residue Tree residue and aquatic weeds Urban and rural waste Sewage sludge

Conversion of organic matter into organic manure Biological oxidation Organic matter Organic manure Through biological oxidation organic matter convert into manure which may be two type by their origin Animal manure Green manure Click here Click here

Animal manure A.Farm yard manure (FYM) B.Farm slurry or Liquid manure Manure formed of cattle excreta mixed with straw, used as a fertilizer (Agricultural manure in liquid form known as slurry Click here Click here

A. Farm Yard Manure Farm Yard Manure can be prepared by : Cow dung, Cow urine, Waste straw and Dairy waste etc.

Cow dung Manure This is a type of Farm Yard Manure Cow manure is rich in humus, the bulky, fibrous material that comes from undigested plant matter. Cow manure is composted by putting it into a bin or pile and letting it sit It contains about 3 percent nitrogen, 2 percent phosphorous, and 1 percent potassium

Method of preparation of FYM Dug the pit (4×6×10) near cattle shed above the level of soil. Spread the excavated soil on the surface. Fill the pit with grass and other material of cake shed and soil upto 10-15cm. Spread cow dung manure up to 15-20 cm leave it for one to two month.

Nutritional Profile of FYM (%) Elements Value (%) Nitrogen 0.5 Phosphorus 0.25 Potassium 0.40 Calcium 0.08 Sulfur 0.02 Zinc 0.004 Copper 0.0003 Manganese 0.007 iron 0.45 Click here to go back

B. Farm Slurry A mixture of water and animal waste used as fertilizer. Farm slurry is produced at dairy farm at larger scale in rainy season. It is highly nutritive for the plants. Click here to go back

2. Green Manures Green manure is a type of cover crop grown primarily to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. They are grown for the purpose of plowing them, thus increasing fertility through the incorporation of nutrients and organic matter into the soil.

Benefits of Green Manure Crops Green manures, in the case of legumes, fix nitrogen and contribute to farm nitrogen needs. It protect and enhance the soil’s biological activity by providing nutrition for the soil organism. It aerates the soil, consequently improving the soil structure. Green manure crops cover the soil in between successive grain crops, thus protecting the soil against wind and water erosion. Green manure crops reduce soil compaction. Green manure crops provides a habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects. Click here to go back