Concentrated Manures and Liquid Manures

Concentrated and liquid manures play a significant role in supplementing soil fertility and enhancing crop productivity. These manures provide essential nutrients in a more concentrated form than bulky organic manures like farmyard manure (FYM).

1. Concentrated Manures: Concentrated manures are organic or inorganic substances with a higher proportion of plant nutrients, primarily nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). They are applied in smaller quantities compared to bulky manures.

Types of Concentrated Manures:

A) Organic Concentrated Manures: These are derived from plant or animal residues and decompose slowly, releasing nutrients over time.

1. Oil Cakes: Residues left after oil extraction from seeds. Rich in nitrogen and phosphorus.
   • Types:
     • Edible: Groundnut cake, soybean cake.
     • Non-edible: Castor cake, neem cake.
   • Nutrient Content: Nitrogen (2-7%), Phosphorus (1-3%), Potash (1-2%).
2. Blood Meal: Dried blood from slaughterhouses. Rich in nitrogen (10-12%). Quick-release manure, best for leafy vegetables.
3. Fish Meal: Made from dried fish waste. Nutrient Content: 5-10% Nitrogen, 3-4% Phosphorus. Promotes plant growth and improves soil texture.
4. Bone Meal: Crushed animal bones. Nutrient Content: Phosphorus (20-25%), Nitrogen (2-4%). Best for root crops and flowering plants.
5. Guano: Accumulated droppings of seabirds or bats. High in nitrogen and phosphorus. Acts quickly, ideal for vegetable gardens.

B) Inorganic Concentrated Manures (Fertilizers): These are chemically synthesized and provide nutrients in readily available forms.

1. Nitrogenous Fertilizers: Urea (46% N). Ammonium Sulphate (20% N). Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (26% N)
2. Phosphatic Fertilizers: Single Super Phosphate (16% P₂O₅). Di-Ammonium Phosphate (46% P₂O₅)
3. Potassic Fertilizers: Muriate of Potash (60% K₂O). Sulphate of Potash (50% K₂O)

2. Liquid Manures

Liquid manures are nutrient-rich solutions prepared from organic or inorganic materials. They are applied as foliar sprays or through irrigation to provide quick nutrient uptake by plants.

Types of Liquid Manures:

A) Organic Liquid Manures:

1. Cow Dung Slurry: Made by mixing fresh cow dung with water in a 1:3 ratio. Fermented for 7-10 days and diluted before application. Rich in nitrogen and beneficial microbes.
2. Jeevamrit: A traditional Indian bio-fertilizer made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, flour, and soil. Enhances soil fertility and microbial activity.
3. Panchagavya: A mixture of five cow products (milk, curd, ghee, dung, and urine) along with jaggery, banana, and coconut water. Acts as a growth promoter and pest repellent.
4. Vermiwash: The liquid extract from vermicompost beds. Contains plant growth hormones and micronutrients.
5. Compost Tea: Produced by soaking compost in water for 24-48 hours. Improves plant health and soil fertility when sprayed on crops.

B) Inorganic Liquid Manures:

1. Fertilizer Solutions: Dissolved NPK fertilizers in water for foliar feeding. Example: Urea (2-3% solution), DAP (1-2% solution).
2. Micronutrient Sprays: Zinc Sulphate (0.5%), Boric Acid (0.2%), and Ferrous Sulphate (0.5%).

Benefits of Concentrated and Liquid Manures:

1. Quick Nutrient Availability: Nutrients are readily absorbed by plants.
2. Improved Crop Yield: Enhances growth, flowering, and fruiting.
3. Reduced Application Rate: Smaller quantities are sufficient compared to bulky manures.
4. Eco-Friendly: Organic liquid manures promote sustainable farming.
5. Enhanced Soil Health: Improves microbial activity and soil structure.