Using Steer Manure To Amend Soil In The Yard

Using steer manure to amend soil can be an excellent way to add additional nutrients to plants. This fertilizer offers the same benefits as most other manures, including cow manure, and can be used for both lawns and gardens.

Steer Manure Lawn Fertilizer

Manure contains a number of nutrients and adds organic matter to the soil. Improving the soil quality of your lawn can result in greener grass and less maintenance. An important consideration when fertilizing with steer manure is its high nitrogen content. While nitrogen is required for strong, green plant growth, too much will ultimately burn plants. Fresh manure is much too strong for use. Therefore, it should be well-aged or composted prior to use. When using steer manure for grass areas, use no more than a 5 gallon (19 L.) bucket of manure for every 100 square feet. (9 m.²)

Steer Manure and Vegetables

While steer manure is generally safe to use, there are some considerations to be aware of prior to its use. Since steer manure may contain bacteria, like E. coli, it is important to compost the manure prior to use in the garden, especially on edible plants like vegetables. In addition, steer manure may have excess levels of salt, which can not only damage some plants but can leach the soil as well.

Composting Steer Manures

Like cow manure, steer manure consists mostly of digested plant matter. Composting steer manure is easily accomplished and similar to other methods. Once dried, the manure is easy to work with and has little to no odor. Steer manure can be added to and mixed thoroughly with the compost pile to create a suitable fertilizer for the lawn and garden. Adequate temperatures will successfully kill off any unwanted bacteria that may present problems as well as weeds. Composting steer manure can also help eliminate the high salt content. With proper aging and composting steer manure makes an ideal fertilizer for lawn and gardens. Using steer manure for grass and vegetables can lead to greater soil quality and promote healthier plant growth.