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Cow versus horse manure!

Last post 07-11-2009 7:50 AM by Farmer. 5 replies.

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  • 28/10/2009 07:45 PM
    • Lady P
    • West Sussex
    • 26 Apr 2009
    • 19
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    Can anyone advise what the pro's and con's are of using either?  This is for a new raised herbaceous bed on clay where I'm going to use 6 tonnes of topsoil, and 3 tonnes of manure.  I have a supplier of some 3-year old cow poo --- will it be OK?  Thanks!

  • 29/10/2009 01:27 PM
    • BB
    • Hereford
    • 12 May 2009
    • 729
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    I used 2 year old cow manure this year, as I have easier access to cow manure than horse manure,  with good results. I think any vegetarian animal manure is fine (even elephants, if you can get it) Just make sure it is well aged.

    BB
  • 30/10/2009 01:07 PM
    • Obelix
    • Belgium
    • 24 Nov 2004
    • 442
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    Either is as good as the other though there is probably more fibrous matter and thus humous mixed in with the straw in horse manure.  The only thing to be wary of is whether or not their pasture was treated with a new herbicide - aminopyralid - as it is persistent in the manure and can badly affect any crops or plants grown.

    Obelix - Belgium
  • 04/11/2009 10:16 PM
    • Lady P
    • West Sussex
    • 26 Apr 2009
    • 19
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    Thanks both, that's great - I've opted for cow manure and it arrived today - looks lovely (if you can call it that!)

  • 06/11/2009 06:05 PM
    • Phot's-Moll
    • The sunny South coast.
    • 06 Jan 2007
    • 4,596
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    If you've got access to a good supply of well rotted manure of any type then take it!


    http://patsysplot.blogspot.co.uk/
  • 07/11/2009 07:50 AM
    • Farmer
    • Steyning
    • 10 May 2009
    • 13
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    Their digestive arrangements are quite different. Putting it simply Cows have two stomachs but Horses have just one. Hence Cow manure has far fewer weed seeds.