38 FERTILITY AND FERTILIZER HINTS 



fermentation of the horse manure is stopped and the nitrogen 

 saved, and the mixture is better than cow manure alone. Cow 

 manure contains more water than horse manure due perhaps to 

 the large amount of water drank by this class of animal. Cow 

 manure does not ferment rapidly and when dry decomposes very 

 slowly in the soil. It is estimated that 6 to 10 pounds of straw 

 are necessary to absorb cow manure, depending upon the amount 

 of liquids voided. 



The nitrogen content is present in greatest amount in the liquids 

 while there is little phosphoric acid present in this portion of 

 cow manure. 



Hog Manure. — The composition of hog manure is quite variable 

 depending upon the feed consumed. When tankage and other 

 highly nitrogenous feeds are employed the manure is rich, but 

 when feeds containing small amounts of fertilizing constituents 

 are used, the manure is not so valuable. Hog manure contains 

 a high percentage of water and is slow to decompose. It is es- 

 timated that 4 to 8 pounds of straw are adequate for absorbing 

 pig manure. 



The liquid portion of hog manure contains more phosphoric 

 acid and the solids more potash than horse or cow manure. 

 As previously mentioned, the nitrogen content of the liquid por- 

 tion of hog manure depends upon the nature of the feed. Some- 

 times the nitrogen will reach 1.5 per cent, in the liquid portion. 

 The liquid portion is higher in water than manure from other 

 farm live-stock. 



Sheep Manure. — The manure from sheep is more valuable than 

 that from other farm animals. On account of its being dry and 

 rich in nitrogen it ferments rapidly although not so quickly as 

 horse manure. The slower action is perhaps due to its more 

 compact mechanical condition. Losses of nitrogen in §heep ma- 

 nure are apt to occur unless the manure is well taken care of. 

 Both the solids and liquids of sheep manure run higher in nitro- 

 gen that the manure from other farm animals, and the water con- 

 tent is lower. The phosphoric acid content of the solids is also 

 high and that of the liquids appreciable.* 



