07/09/2026
Spreading cow muck (farmyard manure/FYM) is one of the most useful ways to recycle nutrients and organic matter back into agricultural land. Its value goes considerably beyond simply supplying N, P and K.
Main advantages:
Returns nutrients to the soil. Cattle manure supplies nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, magnesium and trace elements. Not all of the nitrogen is immediately available; a proportion becomes available gradually as the organic matter decomposes. This gives manure a residual fertility benefit over subsequent years.
Builds soil organic matter. This is arguably its biggest long-term advantage compared with mineral fertiliser. FYM adds carbon-rich material that contributes to soil organic matter and, eventually, more stable humus.
Improves soil structure. Organic matter encourages aggregation of soil particles into stable crumbs. On heavier soils this can improve friability, aeration and drainage; on lighter soils it improves cohesion and water retention.
Improves water infiltration and storage. Better aggregation and increased organic matter allow rainfall to enter the soil more readily rather than running across the surface. This can reduce runoff, erosion and nutrient loss while increasing the amount of water available to crops during dry periods.
Feeds soil biology. Manure supplies both carbon and nutrients to bacteria, fungi, earthworms and other soil organisms. Earthworm activity can subsequently improve pore formation, nutrient cycling and incorporation of organic material.
Improves nutrient-holding capacity. Increasing organic matter generally increases the soil’s ability to retain positively charged nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and ammonium, particularly useful on soils with relatively low cation-exchange capacity.
Recycles nutrients already on the farm. Nutrients taken from the field by grass or forage, eaten by cattle and subsequently excreted can be returned to the land rather than replaced entirely with purchased fertiliser
Along with plenty others.
