Animal-Based Organic Fertilizers are a type of organic fertilizer derived from animal products or by-products.
Contents
Types of Animal-Based Organic Fertilizers
Manure Fertilizers
Animal waste from livestock such as cows, pigs, sheep, horses, and chickens is one of the most common forms of animal-based organic fertilizers. Manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cow
Cow manure is characterized by high water content, moderate levels of essential nutrients, and a slow nutrient-release profile. As it decomposes, cow manure gradually releases nutrients, ensuring sustained availability for plants throughout the growing season.
Cow manure is a nutrient-rich organic material, but its exact composition depends on factors such as the cow’s diet, bedding material, and manure handling practices.
Good for: Cow manure is ideal for heavy-feeding crops such as corn, squash, tomatoes, leafy greens, potatoes, and more.
On average, cow manure contains:
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~0.5–1.0% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.3–0.6% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~0.4–0.8% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~1.0–2.0% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.1–0.3% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~12–30% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~60–80% |
Pig
Pig manure is a valuable organic fertilizer, rich in essential nutrients that support the growth of various crops.
The nutrient profile makes pig manure particularly beneficial for nutrient-demanding crops that require substantial amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
To maximize the benefits and ensure safety, it’s advisable to compost pig manure before application.
Composting reduces pathogens and stabilizes nutrients, making them more readily available to plants. Proper composting also minimizes the risk of nutrient leaching and environmental contamination.
Good for: Crops such as corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, root vegetables,etc
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~0.5–0.6% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.45–0.60% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~0.35–0.50% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.32% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.11% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn) | ~0.00049% |
| Copper (Cu) | ~0.00012% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ~0.00019% |
| Iron (Fe) | ~0.00065% |
| Organic Matter | ~80% |
| Moisture Content | ~75–90% |
Sheep
Sheep manure is a nutrient-dense organic material, but its exact composition can vary based on factors such as the sheep’s diet, the type of bedding used, and how the manure is stored and processed.
Good for: Sheep manure is good for vegetables, leafy greens, root crops, fruiting plants, cereal crops, and flowering plants.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~0.7–1.0% |
| Phosphorus (P2O5) | ~0.4–0.6% |
| Potassium (K2O) | ~0.9–1.0% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~1.0–2.0% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.2–0.3% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~30–40% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~50–60% |
Chicken
Chicken manure is valued for its significant levels of essential nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K), making it an effective organic fertilizer. Its nutrient-rich composition offers higher concentrations of these macronutrients compared to many other types of animal manure.
Keep in mind that its high nitrogen content requires proper composting or aging before use to prevent plant damage from excessive ammonia and to reduce the risk of pathogens.
Good for: Chicken manure is ideal for nutrient-demanding crops that require a rich source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, like tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, broccoli, and kale.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~1.5–2.5% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~1.3–2.0% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~0.8–1.2% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~4.0–5.0% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.3–0.5% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~20–40% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~30–50% |
Horse
Horse manure is characterized by moderate water content, higher fiber levels, and a relatively faster nutrient-release profile compared to cow manure. As it decomposes, horse manure provides a steady supply of nutrients, supporting plant growth throughout the growing season.
Horse manure is a nutrient-rich organic material, but its exact composition varies depending on factors such as the horse’s diet, the type of bedding material used, and how the manure is managed and stored.
Good for: Horse manure is ideal for a variety of crops, including root vegetables like carrots and beets, leafy greens such as spinach and lettuce, and fruit-bearing plants like tomatoes and peppers. It also supports the growth of flowering plants and cereal crops, providing a balanced supply of nutrients and organic matter to improve soil fertility.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~0.7–1.0% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.3–0.5% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~0.5–0.8% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~1.0–2.5% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.2–0.4% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~15–25% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~40–60% |
Bone Meal
Bone meal fertilizer is an organic fertilizer made by grinding animal bones, typically those of cattle or other livestock, into a fine powder.
Bone meal is commonly used to promote strong root development, flowering, and fruiting in plants. It is particularly beneficial for root crops like carrots, onions, and potatoes, as well as flowering plants, including roses and bulbs.
Since it releases nutrients slowly, it provides long-term support to plants, improving soil fertility over time. Bone meal is often applied directly to the soil or mixed into compost for a balanced nutrient supply.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~15–25% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~18–22% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.5–1.0% |
| Iron (Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~10–15% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~5–10% |
Blood Meal
Blood Meal fertilizer is an organic fertilizer made from dried and powdered animal blood, typically a byproduct of the meat processing industry.
It is commonly used for crops like leafy greens (spinach, lettuce, kale), corn, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and potatoes.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~12–15% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~1–3% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | Trace amounts |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.5–1% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Trace amounts |
| Micronutrients | |
| Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~80–90% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~8–12% |
Blood meal is also used in ornamental gardening to enhance the growth of grass, shrubs, and other nitrogen-demanding plants. It is essential to apply blood meal carefully, as excessive nitrogen can burn plants or encourage excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers or fruits.
Feather Meal
Feather meal fertilizer is an organic, high-nitrogen soil supplement made from processed poultry feathers.
Good for: Feather meal fertilizer is ideal for nitrogen-hungry crops like leafy greens, corn, brassicas, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and root vegetables.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | ~12–14% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.5–1.0% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~0.1–0.5% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.1–0.3% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~80–90% |
| Moisture Content | ~5–10% |
Fish Meal
Fish meal fertilizer is an organic fertilizer made from ground, dried fish or fish byproducts.
Good for: Fish meal fertilizer is particularly effective for crops that require high levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P₂O₅) for robust growth, fruiting, and flowering.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | ~8–10% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~4–6% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~1–2% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~5–7% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.2–0.5% |
| Sulfur (S) | ~1–1.5% |
| Micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~65–75% |
| Moisture Content | ~10–12% |
Fish Emulsion
Fish emulsion fertilizer is a liquid organic fertilizer made from fish byproducts such as bones, scales, and skin, which are processed into a nutrient-rich solution.
It is a natural source of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace minerals and beneficial microbes.
It is commonly used for vegetables, fruits, flowers, shrubs, and even lawns, promoting healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Due to its liquid form, it is often applied as a foliar spray or mixed into water for soil drenching. Its quick nutrient absorption makes it ideal for seedlings and young plants.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | ~2–5% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~1–3% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~1–3% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.5–1.5% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.1–0.5% |
| Sulfur (S) | ~0.1–0.2% |
| Trace Elements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) | Trace amounts |
Vermicompost
Vermicompost is a natural organic fertilizer created through the decomposition of organic waste by earthworms.
This nutrient-rich product, often referred to as worm castings or worm humus, is formed when worms digest and excrete organic materials. Specific worm species, such as Eisenia fetida (red wigglers) or Lumbricus rubellus, are commonly used for this process.
Vermicompost is used for a wide range of crops, including vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, as well as fruit crops such as strawberries and bananas. It is also applied to cereal crops like wheat and rice, along with cash crops such as cotton, sugarcane, and tobacco.
It benefits ornamental plants, herbs, and spices, making it a versatile fertilizer for both commercial agriculture and home gardening.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | ~1–3% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.5–1.5% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~1–2% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~2–3% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.3–0.6% |
| Sulfur (S) | ~0.2–0.4% |
| Micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~25–30% |
| Moisture Content | ~30–40% |
Others less common
Here’s a list of less common animal-based fertilizers:
- Seaweed and Algae (marine animals indirectly supporting soil health)
- Insect Frass (excrement from insects like crickets or mealworms)
- Shrimp or Prawn Shells
- Silkworm Castings (waste from silkworms)
- Mussel Shell Meal
- Octopus or Squid By-Products
- Fish Scales
- Beetle Manure (from farmed beetles)
- Goat Manure
- Sheep Manure (less commonly used than cow or horse)
- Duck or Goose Manure
- Rabbit Manure
- Alpaca Manure
- Llama Manure
- Bison or Buffalo Manure
- Quail Manure
- Turkey Litter (manure and bedding from turkeys)
- Deer Droppings
- Camel Manure
- Eel or Jellyfish By-Products
These fertilizers, though less common, are often region-specific and used in localized agricultural or gardening practices.
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Daniel is an experienced farmer and agricultural technician specializing in soil management, irrigation systems, crops management, and the safe and effective use of herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals. 