Animal manure has been used to fertilise farms and gardens since time immemorial. Multiple revolutions in fertiliser and farming equipment have come and gone, but nature’s most potent source of nutrients remains as popular as ever. Whether you are choosing dried sheep manure or bagged cow manure, it is important to know what they have in common as well as what sets them apart.

Nutrient Ratio

Sheep manure is known to contain nutrients and micronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, sulphur, boron, and zinc. Bagged cow manure contains significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as magnesium, calcium, and sulphur.

Where they differ is the ratios at which these compounds are found in the manure. Dried sheep manure is high in nitrogen with a balanced amount of potassium and is a little low in phosphorus. Good quality bagged cow manure will contain a much higher percentage of nitrogen while all other nutrients are found in balanced amounts.

Pros and Cons

Odour

When it comes to sheep and cow manure that is all-natural and made with care, no substances should be added to the mix to reduce strong smells. Good manure will always have a noticeable odour and while the differences are not substantial, sheep manure has a milder smell than cow manure.

Usability

In order to get the best results out of your manure, it helps to apply it at the right time during the year. Sheep manure allows for greater flexibility as it can be used even in colder temperatures. Cow manure works best when applied before the coldest time of the year.

Composting Time

All kinds of animal manure need to be composted or aged thoroughly before use. Sheep manure wins out over cow manure in this case as it can be composted for use within two weeks whereas cow manure takes five to six months.

Availability

While dried sheep manure is considered superior in some ways, there is no doubt that when it comes to popularity and availability, cow manure is the better choice. For some, choices between different animal manures are rare and cow manure is often the easiest to find.

Cow and Sheep Manure in Perth

Nearly all manures and natural fertilisers are rich in nutrients like nitrogen which support plant growth. However, the truly magical effects of good manure are seen in the soil. Cow and sheep manure greatly improve soil texture, water retention and microbial activity. Call us today on 0413 044 240 for more information on 100% weed dried sheep manure in Perth.