What Nutrients are in Horse Manure?

Horse manure is a highly sought-after component within gardens thanks to its highly versatile nature and how it can help gardeners grow healthy plants. One aspect that makes well-rotted horse manure and muck a great addition to any garden is its nutrient-rich properties.

In this gardener’s guide, we outline what nutrients are prominent in horse manure and how they can help your plants grow in a healthy, sustainable manner.

What are the main nutrients in horse manure?

Horse manure has 3 macronutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, 3 secondary nutrients – calcium, magnesium and sodium, as well as other micronutrients.

As a rule of thumb, a tonne of well-rotted manure contains 5kg (11lbs) of nitrogen, 3.6kgs (8lbs) of potassium and 0.9kg (2lbs) of phosphorus.

How do the nutrients in horse manure help gardeners?

Organic horse manure acts as a brilliant natural fertiliser, soil conditioner and source of nutrients, which are all essential for growing plants and keeping your garden in a healthy, sustainable manner.

How does nitrogen within horse manure help in the garden?

The element nitrogen (N), is a vital macronutrient for plants to function and is a key component of amino acids, which form the foundations of plant enzymes and proteins.

Proteins make up the structural materials of all living matters (including plants) and the enzymes facilitate the vast array of biochemical reactions within a plant. Nitrogen is also an element of the chlorophyll molecule, which enables the plant to capture UV energy by photosynthesis, driving plant growth and health

Nitrogen is even present in the plant roots as proteins and enzymes help regulate water and nutrient intake.

How does phosphorus within horse manure help in the garden?

The purpose of phosphorus within plants is extremely important. The main function of phosphorus within plants and general gardening is that it helps a plant convert other nutrients within horse manure into usable foundations which allows plants to grow – nitrogen and potassium.

You need to be careful with the application of horse manure in your garden, because if you add too much phosphorus into your topsoil, it can run off into the water supply and become a major pollutant.

How does potassium within horse manure help in the garden?

Potassium, often called potash in the gardening world, helps plants use available water that resists drought and enhances the growth of plants. Potassium is especially important if you grow fruit or vegetables within your garden, as water can make up the majority of the crop.

If you’re wanting to grow or lay new grass turf, be sure to mix in horse manure with topsoil as the potassium will allow the roots to absorb water better, giving your grass roots a strong foundation.

Where can I buy organic horse manure?

Based in Hambledon, Hampshire, we supply well-rotted horse manure rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus for all those who are within Hampshire and further surrounding towns and cities. Alsoils+ have been servicing domestic and trade customers for over 35 years with the highest quality horse manure, leaving you safe in the knowledge that we can deliver for your needs.

Our well-rotted horse FYM is both high-quality and affordable for all purposes. With its highly versatile and low maintenance nature, they are the ideal solution for a variety of gardening and landscaping needs.