Using "plant manure" often refers to incorporating organic plant material into the soil to improve its structure and fertility. This can take various forms, such as growing specific plants to till into the soil (green manure), using decomposed plant matter (compost), or allowing plant residues to break down in place. These methods enrich the soil with nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, supporting healthy plant growth.
While the term "manure" is commonly associated with animal waste, plant-based materials serve a similar purpose in adding organic matter and nutrients to your garden. Just as "A lot of animal manures. Also add fertilizer as they break down. And they also help to feed the plants and encourage growth. So your vegetables for instance will get a lot of benefit out of out of" incorporating these amendments, plant-based materials break down over time, releasing nutrients that benefit your plants, especially vegetables.
Methods for Using Plant Materials as Fertilizer
There are several effective ways to utilize plant matter to enhance your soil:
1. Green Manure
This involves growing specific plants, often legumes or grasses, specifically for the purpose of tilling them back into the soil while they are still green.
- Process: Sow seeds of a chosen green manure crop (like clover, vetch, or rye). Allow the plants to grow for a period, then chop them down and incorporate them into the soil using a shovel or tiller before they set seed.
- Benefits: Adds nitrogen (especially legumes), improves soil structure, suppresses weeds, and prevents erosion.
2. Compost
Compost is the result of controlled decomposition of organic materials, including plant scraps, leaves, grass clippings, and food waste.
- Process: Create a compost pile or bin where plant materials can break down into a dark, crumbly soil amendment. This typically takes several months to a year, depending on the method.
- How to Use: Once fully decomposed, compost can be:
- Incorporated: Mix into the top few inches of soil before planting.
- Top-Dressed: Spread a layer over the soil surface around existing plants.
- Used in Potting Mixes: Add to soil blends for containers.
3. Using Plant Residues & Cover Crops
Leaving crop residues on the soil surface or growing cover crops that are left to decompose in place is another method.
- Process: Instead of clearing all plant material at the end of a season, chop down larger stalks and leave them as a mulch. Alternatively, plant cover crops in the off-season and allow them to winterkill or flatten them in spring to decompose on the surface.
- Benefits: Protects soil from erosion, suppresses weeds, adds organic matter as it breaks down, and conserves soil moisture.
4. Liquid Feeds (Compost Tea)
While not strictly "manure," liquids derived from steeping plant materials or compost can provide a nutrient boost.
- Process: Steep compost or specific plant materials (like comfrey or nettles) in water for a period.
- How to Use: Dilute the liquid and water plants with it for a quick nutrient drench.
Using plant materials effectively helps build healthy, fertile soil over time, leading to stronger, more productive plants. Like animal manures mentioned in the reference, these plant-based methods are key to feeding the soil and encouraging robust growth in your garden.
