Nutrient composition and biological value
- Macro-nutrients: Decomposed cattle dung contains approximately 0.5% Nitrogen (N), 0.2% Phosphorus (P2O5), and 0.5% Potassium (K2O).
- Secondary and micro-nutrients: Supplies essential calcium, magnesium, sulphur, zinc, and iron in organically chelated forms.
- Microbial biodiversity: Inoculates soil with beneficial cellulose-decomposing bacteria, nitrogen-fixing species, and actinomycetes.
- Soil physical structure: Increases organic carbon and humus, improving water infiltration in clay soils and moisture retention in sandy soils.
Value-addition pathways: Composting and biogas
Raw cattle dung should never be applied directly to standing crops, as fresh decomposition generates high heat and invites white grub infestations. Converting dung into Farmyard Manure (FYM) in shaded compost pits or processing via vermicomposting with earthworms (Eisenia foetida) yields stabilized, nutrient-dense compost. Biogas plants extract clean methane fuel while yielding nutrient-rich fermented bio-slurry.
Natural farming formulations (Jeevamrut & Ghanjeevamrut)
Under natural farming systems promoted by the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming, fresh cow dung is combined with cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and virgin soil to ferment liquid Jeevamrut or dried Ghanjeevamrut, which acts as a powerful biological bio-stimulant.
Official source
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Common questions
Why should raw fresh cattle dung not be added directly to crop fields?
Raw dung generates high decomposition heat that scorches roots, ties up soil nitrogen, and attracts white grubs and root pests.
What is the typical NPK ratio of well-decomposed Farmyard Manure (FYM)?
Well-decomposed FYM typically contains roughly 0.5% Nitrogen, 0.2% Phosphorus, and 0.5% Potassium.
What is the benefit of biogas slurry over raw cow dung?
Digested biogas slurry has fully stabilized nutrients, zero weed seeds, higher ammoniacal nitrogen, and zero methane loss.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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