Animal waste includes livestock and poultry manure, wasted feed, bedding and feedlot runoff.
Manure is a valuable source of nitrogen and phosphorus and contains other nutrients essential for plant growth. The nutrient value of animal manure varies with the food eaten by the animal, the species and age of the animal, and its health and condition. The amount of useful nutrients found in common types of manure is shown in the table below. Manure can also increase the amount of organic matter in your soil and improve the tilth and water-holding capacity of your soil. On the other hand, improperly managed animal waste can affect the quality of your water and soil.