Mixing organic manure, particularly heavy types like cow manure, typically involves combining it with various organic substances to improve its structure and nutrient balance for optimal use in gardening and agriculture.
Key Principle of Mixing Organic Manure
While there are many types of organic manure, a common practice is to mix manures, especially those that are dense or "heavy," with other organic materials. This process helps create a balanced compost or soil amendment.
Mixing Heavy Cow Manure with Organic Substances
According to common practices, heavy cow manure should be mixed with organic substances to create a better blend. These additional materials help to:
- Balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, promoting efficient decomposition.
- Improve aeration and drainage in the mix.
- Add a wider range of nutrients and microbial life.
The reference specifically states that heavy cow manure should be mixed with organic substances like vegetable waste, garden debris, dead leaves, sawdust, wood ash, hay, straw, etc.
Recommended Materials for Mixing with Heavy Cow Manure
Based on the reference, suitable organic materials to mix with heavy cow manure include:
- Vegetable waste: Kitchen scraps (excluding meat, dairy, and oily foods).
- Garden debris: Plant trimmings, pulled weeds (before seeding).
- Dead leaves: Fallen leaves from trees and shrubs.
- Sawdust: Fine wood particles (use moderately).
- Wood ash: Ash from untreated wood (use sparingly as it can affect pH).
- Hay: Dried grass stalks.
- Straw: Dried stalks of cereal plants after the grain has been harvested.
Combining heavy manure with these carbon-rich "brown" materials helps facilitate the composting process, leading to a more balanced and beneficial soil amendment.
