Manure is one of the earliest forms of natural fertilizers that have been used in gardening and farming activities. Containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other vital nutrients that improve fertility and the condition of the soil, you can buy organic manure online to improve the health of plants. But as with many other things, timing is very sensitive so as to optimize the nutrient uptake by your plants without compromising on nutrient imbalance or plant damage. This guide will assist you in knowing more about the right time and ways of applying manure.
Why Timing Matters?
Applying the manure leads to the optimization of growth and development of the plant when the said nutrients can be absorbed effectively. If applied early, nutrients are washed away, or if applied late, they become ineffective, and sometimes, nitrogen may damage the plants (burn them up).
Golden Periods of Manure Application
1. Before Planting (Pre-Planting Application)
- Season: The best time for planting is usually in the late fall or early spring.
- Why: Plowing manure into the soil ensures that it is done in advance and decomposes gradually to provide nutrients such as nitrogen to the seeds and seedlings. It enables the manure to break down over the winter hence preventing plant burn when it is applied in the fall. Spring application makes sure that soil is ready to receive inputs at the right time as most plants are developing.
- How: Apply a thin layer of manure (preferably aged and about 2 to 3 inches thick) over the surface of the soil and mix or turn the soil thoroughly. It also enhances the quality of the soil with regard to poking and porosity.
2. During the Growing Season
- Season: Depending on the specific plant, this stage is generally at the start of spring (or continuing through) to early summer.
- Why: Especially for nutrient-seeking crops, such as vegetables, you can apply manure during the growing period to supplement their nutrient requirement. It should be used when the plants are growing and are in a position to assimilate the nutrients applied to them.
- How: You can use well-composted manure and they should be used as side dressing which is putting the manure along the rows of the plants. You should be careful not to make direct contact with the stems as this will cause a burnage of the nutrients.
3. After Harvest (Post-Harvest Application)
- Season: Late summer to early fall.
- Why: Applying manure after harvesting assists in restocking the soil nutrients in preparation for the next planting season. It also helps in keeping the correct structure of the soil and the right proportion of organic matter therein.
- How: Apply your manure on the field or the garden beds and then work the manure into the soil.
Types of Manure and Their Timing
This is one of the most important aspects of organic farming so we have outlined below the different types of manure to be used as well as the right time to use them.
- Fresh Manure: It is advisable to be applied in Autumn, prior to planting so that the materials set in may decompose fully.
- Composted Manure: Safer for direct application during the growing season. The reason why organic pesticides are considered safe for direct application during the growing season is due to the fact organic materials have a slower pest-controlling rate and therefore, reduce cases of pest resistance.
- Liquid Manure: It is a source of nutrients that needs to be applied very early in the growing season, especially, when the plants are growing fast. However, this has to be used in a diluted form as an excess is very destructive to the plants.
Key Considerations
- Soil Testing: When applying manure it is advisable to first get a soil test to know what the nutrient status of the soil is. This will also assist you in preventing the over-applying of the fertilizer as this will harm both the plants and the environment.
- Weather Conditions: Do not spread manure before rain as most of the nutrients will be washed away, polluting water sources, and the manure itself.
- Plant Type: Plants have diverse nutrient requirements. For instance, crops with fresh leaves require the application of nitrogen-rich manure in the growing season more than crops such as carrots.
- Local Regulations: When applying manure, be careful of any ordinances in the area especially if you are a large-scale producer. It may be prohibited when and how manure might be spread in order to minimize the risks of harming the environment.
Conclusion
One of the ways of ensuring that the manure gives out the best results is by applying it at the right time. Awareness of the requirements of the plants, the nature of the various types of manure, and the schedule of application will go a long way to improve soil fertility, good plant health, and huge production.
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