Goat manure is a highly valued organic amendment in gardening and agriculture. The droppings are naturally pelleted, making them relatively dry, easy to handle, and less odorous compared to many other types of livestock manure. It offers a valuable, natural source of nutrients that can significantly improve soil health and support robust plant growth. Goat manure is considered an excellent choice for enriching garden beds and potting mixes.
Nutritional Profile and Soil Structure Advantages
Goat manure provides a balanced supply of macronutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are necessary for plant development. While the exact nutrient content varies based on the goat’s diet, solid goat manure typically contains a moderate amount of these nutrients, often cited around 1.34% Nitrogen, 0.54% P, and 1.56% K, or higher after composting. This moderate NPK profile makes it a “cooler” manure, meaning it is less likely to burn plants than high-nitrogen manures like fresh chicken droppings.
Beyond the main nutrients, goat manure also contributes several micronutrients to the soil, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc. The organic matter within the manure is a slow-release source of nutrition, ensuring that plants receive a gradual and steady supply as the material decomposes. This decomposition process also encourages beneficial microbial activity, which is important for overall soil health.
The naturally pelleted form of the droppings promotes better soil structure and aeration. These pellets help to improve the water-holding capacity in sandy soils while simultaneously enhancing drainage in heavy clay soils. By adding bulk organic matter, the pellets prevent compaction, allowing oxygen to reach plant roots more easily and creating an optimal environment for root growth. The dry, pelleted form also aids in the composting process by allowing more airflow, which speeds up decomposition.
Preparation and Safety Considerations
While goat manure is less likely to cause fertilizer burn than other fresh manures, aging or composting is still recommended before application. Fresh manure can still contain high levels of ammonia, which may damage delicate plants. Composting the manure stabilizes the nutrients, transforming them into forms that plants can readily absorb, while also reducing the volume and eliminating potential pathogens.
The presence of viable weed seeds is a consideration when using goat manure. Goats consume a wide variety of plants, and their digestive system does not always destroy the seeds. To mitigate this risk, hot composting is strongly advised. Proper composting requires maintaining the pile’s internal temperature between 131°F and 170°F for a specific duration, typically three days in a controlled system, which is sufficient to kill most weed seeds and pathogens.
Simply aging the manure will not generate the heat necessary to kill the weed seeds. Composting requires active management, including monitoring moisture levels and turning the pile to ensure the heat is evenly distributed throughout the material. Even with diligent composting, a small percentage of seeds may survive in cooler pockets, so using composted goat manure does not guarantee a completely weed-free application.
Practical Application Methods
Prepared goat manure, whether aged or fully composted, can be applied to the garden using several methods. For amending garden beds before planting, the manure can be worked directly into the topsoil, typically mixing 1 inch of composted material into the upper layer. A common technique is to incorporate the manure into the soil in the fall or a few weeks before spring planting, allowing the nutrients to fully integrate over time.
For established plants, side dressing involves applying a thin layer of the composted manure around the base of the plant. This provides a slow-release nutrient boost throughout the growing season. It is important to avoid placing the manure in direct contact with the plant’s main stem to prevent rot. Another application is using the pellets as a top dressing or mulch, which helps retain soil moisture and slowly feeds the plants as it breaks down.
A liquid fertilizer, often called “manure tea,” can be created by soaking goat manure in water for several days and then diluting the resulting liquid. This method provides a fast-acting dose of nutrients that is particularly beneficial for heavy feeders or container plants that require frequent feeding.