What is the Difference Between Manure and Fertilizer?

Manure and fertilizer are both used to enhance plant growth and soil fertility, but they differ in their composition, origin, and effects on the environment. The main differences between manure and fertilizer are:

1. Origin: Manure is an organic matter obtained from natural sources such as decaying plants, animals, and domestic wastes like vegetable peels. Fertilizers, on the other hand, are synthetically manufactured in factories and are chemical compounds.
2. Composition: Manure is composed of organic substances derived from decaying plant and animal matter. Fertilizers contain specific levels of nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
3. Environmental Impact: Manure is environment-friendly and does not cause harm to the soil or the environment. In contrast, excessive use of fertilizers can pollute water bodies and reduce soil fertility.
4. Nutrient Availability: Manure is relatively less rich in plant nutrients and helps remove general soil deficiencies. Fertilizers are very rich in plant nutrients and provide a more concentrated source of nourishment for plants.
5. Absorption: Manure is not readily soluble in water and is absorbed by plants slowly. Fertilizers are readily soluble and are rapidly absorbed by plants.
6. Usage: The addition of manure to soil does not require special guidelines. However, the addition of fertilizers to soil requires guidelines like appropriate dosage, time, and post-addition care.

In summary, manure and fertilizers both contribute to soil fertility and plant growth, but they have different origins, compositions, environmental impacts, and nutrient availability. Manure is generally considered more environmentally friendly, while fertilizers provide a more concentrated source of nutrients for plants.

Comparative Table: Manure vs Fertilizer

The main difference between manure and fertilizer is their composition and the way they are derived. Here is a table showing the key differences between manure and fertilizer:

Manure is an organic material that is derived from natural sources, such as decaying plants and animals, and adds more than just nutrients to the soil. It increases the activity of microbes in the soil and improves its fertility. On the other hand, fertilizers are synthetically manufactured in factories and can be either organic or inorganic. They provide nutrients to plants but do not have the same impact on the soil's overall health as manure.