Poultry manure and cow dung are some of the commonest farmyard manure you can find. They are used as fertilizers to boost yield and also to improve soil structure and fertility. They are also used in organic fertilizer formulations and compost.
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Poultry manure and cow dung, as much as, come from different sources, are similar in a number of ways. Their similarities make the choice of a better not a difficult thing to do.
However, they are also uniquely different. The farmer, knowing the differences can take advantage and chose the right one.
For this reason, we put out this post. In the end, we will expose you to the difference and similarities to make a better choice of the two farmyard manures.
Poultry Manure Vs Cow Dung
Similarities
- Good sources of plant nutrients.
- They are preferred in organic farming.
- Also, they help in soil structure improvement.
- They are farmyard manure.
Differences
- Obviously, obtained from different sources or animals.
- Plant nutrient contents are not the same.
Poultry Manure
You can obtain poultry manure in substantial quantities mainly from commercial poultry farms, farms that use either the deep litter or the battery cage housing system. In the deep litter, the poultry droppings mix up with the litter or wood shavings. They are usually powdery. Whereas in the battery cage you have only the droppings. In either case, you can collect the manure and use it.
Poultry manure, per analysis, contains 5% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus, and 2% potassium. It is highly acidic than other organic manures. However, it is safe to use on crops after proper composting.
Read also: 4 Proven Benefits of Organic Matter (not Organic Material) to Soil
Advantages of Chicken Manure
- Good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- It costs less than cow manure.
- It is more accessible.
Cow dung
The commonest type of cattle rearing in Africa is the nomadic type. The cattle are led to graze fields over long distances. They sometimes are gathered under a shed after grazing. This type of rearing cattle makes it difficult to get a very high collection of cow dung.
However, whatever is left still contains a good amount of NPK. Precisely, 3% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus, and 1% potassium. This NPK analysis makes it a weaker fertilizer than poultry manure.
Also, since cattle feed on grasses and weeds, there is the worry that their droppings can transfer weed seeds to the farm.
Advantages of Cow dung
- Cow dung contains good bacteria which slowly release nutrients to plants without burning the plants. However, it has to be well decomposed.
- Using cow dung on the soil improves the general structure and ability of soil to support plants.
Caution
Never use fresh poultry manure or cow dung on crops as they may burn the crops. In stead use them when tbey are well-decomposed.
In the end, your choice may depend on the number of factors besides what has been stated. For example; if you own a cattle herd, using the dung, will not be a hard choice. However, all things being equal, poultry manure is better and recommended in most situation.
