How Much Does Manure Cost?
Manure is an organic matter used as an organic fertilizer to help plants grow to their full potential. Manure contributes to the soil’s fertility by adding organic matter and nutrients, and it is considered to be a cost-effective solution when fertilizing plants, especially if you own the animal that produces the manure.
How much does manure cost?
On average, manure is going to come in 5 to 50-pound bags or larger, and the average cost, depending on the brand, type and retailer, can cost $4 to $13 per bag. The typical bag can be anywhere from two to as big as 50-pound bags. Most packs found at a local retailer will be less than 25 pounds.
The most common manure found is used for gardens. A dehydrated chicken manure greatly improves soil texture and is mostly used in flower and vegetable gardens as well as on lawns. Dehydrated chicken manure can cost $4 to $6 per five-pound bag. Sheep manure can cost $8 to $11 per 25L bag.
A chicken manure, which comes in a 35-pound bag, is composted for a rich final product that won’t burn the roots and has a high nutrient value. This type of manure can cost $6 to $8 per bag.
Composted cow manure, which often comes in 50-pound bags, is used on the patio, lawn and garden. This type can cost $9 to $12 per bag.
Considered as a more effective organic fertilizer, horse manure is widely used for gardening. Two bags of pre-pasteurized manure, steamed for three to four hours, can cost $38 to $45.
Bulk purchases of manure can cost $3 to $10 per ton, plus delivery charges if you want it delivered to your location.
What are the extra costs?
There are tools specifically made to use when handling manure, such as a manure fork, a tool that allows you to transfer the manure and plow it evenly. This tool can cost $35 to $55, depending on the size and brand.
For those who are handling larger jobs, a spreader may be required for larger fields. Farm-sized spreaders can cost as much as $800 to $2,000.
Bulk purchases may have delivery charges, especially if you don’t meet the company’s minimum spending requirement. Most companies may have a delivery charge that can range from $25 to $75 per load as long as you’re within their delivery radius.
Tips to know
In terms of nutrients, horse manure will often have fewer nutrients since other livestock will be feed to add pounds for meat and to produce milk, whereas horses are fed to maintain their weight.
How can I save money?
Using manure already saves you money compared to using non-organic fertilizers. For maximum savings, you should compare prices with different brands and retailers. It also doesn’t hurt to be on the lookout for a special sale or coupon.
Check with local farmers to see if you can take manure off their hands. If you form a good relationship, you never know what you can get for free. It also doesn’t hurt to check local classified ads online to see if there are any free postings. If there are any free postings, most of the time it will be required that you pick it up locally at the farm. Forum members on this HomesteadingToday.com forum claimed they had no problem finding it for free.
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