The words ‘fertiliser’ and ‘manure’ can be used interchangeably in the context of gardening. By principle the term ‘manure’ is used by gardeners to denote the bulkier soil foods of organic origin, such as dung, compost, leaf mould etc. The term ‘fertiliser’ is generally used to refer to a substances applied in small amounts, which contains a relatively high percentage of plant nutrients.

Manures

Manure is the oldest and most efficient soil fertiliser known to man. Not only does it fertilise the soil, but it also conditions it.

Manure consists of a wide range of minerals and nutrients and it contains abundant amounts of the three main chemicals that plants need for growth: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Manure is made up of both animal waste and plant material, which enables the soil to hold moisture and promote easier, healthier plant root growth. Most gardeners use manures that come from vegetarian animals, such as horse and cows. Each type of manure is a bit different because the diet of every animal differs.

The following table list the crop and also the best type of manure to use. It also list the best time period to apply the manure.

Fertilisers

Fertiliser is the food that plants need to produce a healthy and bountiful crop. It is good to add fertiliser at the initial planting and also during the growing season to ensure your plant will receive all the essential nutrients. Fertilisers may be of organic or inorganic origin, used either in their naturally occurring state or more often after some form of processing.

Organic Fertiliser

Organic fertilisers include substances such as compost, dried blood and seaweed derivatives, which are of animal and plant origins respectively.