Is it OK to use fresh manures in my garden?
If using manures, I would want to incorporate them into the garden spot this fall. They can be a source of organic matter, phosphorus and potassium. However, they can also harbor certain bacteria and fungus that need time to break down. Initially, the organic matter will start to break down. This will use nitrogen. You can actually become nitrogen deficient if the soil bacteria is using the available nitrogen to break down the material. It’s always a good idea, if using manure, to soil sample. This should be taken a number of months after application and incorporation. Many gardeners think because it’s a natural additive it can cause no harm to your garden. No matter what the nutrient source, there can be a buildup of nutrients that is not environmentally friendly and can make it hard to grow your plants in your garden. Incorporating early also gives any herbicide used on hay that was fed to the animal time to break down.
We now have some herbicides designed to pass through an animal and not be broken down or retained for safety to the animal. The triggering device is the bacteria in the soils. This takes a number of months for the process to occur.
For more information, contact the OSU Extension Center, 14001 Acme Road, corner of MacArthur and Acme Road in Shawnee, or call 273-7683.
SHAWNEE, Okla. —
