If you want to print this publication, we recommend downloading the PDF version. Manure in solid and liquid forms is used as a fertilizer and soil amendment on many farms. It can supply some of the nutrient requirements of crops and is a valuable soil conditioner when properly applied.
Manure can be a source of nitrogen, phosphorus, salts, and bacteria.
These materials can be beneficial to the soil when managed appropriately. Unlike commercial fertilizers, manure has no guaranteed analysis. The amount of nutrients in manure cannot be changed so that exact nutrient amounts always are applied. Also, applying the plant-limiting nutrient in amounts needed for best crop production may overapply other nutrients. Overapplication of nutrients can adversely impact surface and groundwater.