Make compost from Goat Manure at home

Goat Poop as compost for terrace garden

In last blog we discussed about cow dung as a fertilizer for terrace garden, in this blog we will see Goat Poop as another compost which is more nutrient and can be used as fertilizer.

Goat poop or manure is an excellent source of organic fertilizer that can be used to promote healthy plant growth in a terrace garden. 

Here's how to use goat poop for a terrace garden:  

Procuring Goat Poop 

You can get goat poop from your local farm, or you can purchase it from a nearby organic store. If you're getting it from a farm, make sure that the goats are healthy and not being treated with antibiotics.  

Composting the Goat Poop 

Like cow dung, fresh goat poop should never be used directly as fertilizer because it contains high levels of ammonia that can burn plants. Composting the goat poop will break down the ammonia and make the manure safe to use. Create a compost pile by mixing goat poop with dry leaves, straw, or hay. Add water to keep the pile moist and turn it every few days. The composting process will take around two to three months, and the resulting compost will be rich in nutrients and ready to use.

Mixing the Compost with Soil 

Once the goat poop has been composted, it's time to mix it with soil. Mix the compost with the soil in a 1:1 ratio. If you're using pots for your terrace garden, add a layer of the composted goat poop and soil mix at the bottom of the pot before planting.  

Applying the Fertilizer 

Goat poop compost can be applied as a top dressing or a soil amendment. As a top dressing, sprinkle a layer of the composted goat poop on the top of the soil around the base of the plants. As a soil amendment, mix the composted goat poop into the soil around the base of the plants.  

Precautions 

While using goat poop as fertilizer, it's essential to take some precautions. Always wear gloves while handling goat poop to avoid any infections. Make sure that the goat poop has been properly composted before using it as fertilizer. Also, don't use goat poop from goats that have been treated with antibiotics.  

Nutrient content of goat poop:

The exact NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) content of goat poop varies depending on factors such as the goat's diet, age, and health, as well as how the manure is processed and stored. However, in general, goat poop is considered to be a good source of organic matter and essential plant nutrients.  

On average, goat manure contains approximately 1-2% nitrogen, 0.5-1% phosphorus, and 1-2% potassium. In comparison to other livestock manures, goat manure typically has a higher nitrogen content but lower phosphorus content. However, the exact nutrient content can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier.  

It's important to note that while the nutrient content of goat poop may not be as high as some commercial fertilizers, it does provide a range of micronutrients and trace elements that can help improve soil health and plant growth over time. Additionally, goat poop is an organic fertilizer that doesn't contain harmful chemicals or synthetic substances, making it a safer and more sustainable option for gardeners.

If you like to watch different ways of making compost from goat poop in video format please click here 

Make compost from Goat Manure at home

Disadvantages Of Goat Manure:

Weed seeds may be present in goat manure since they eat grass and hay. Most grazing animals, especially sheep and horses, fall under this category.  

The majority of these seeds are destroyed when manure is composted, but a handful is still viable and ready to sprout in your garden.

Always use well-composted goat manure to help solve this problem. To prevent weeds, spread mulch over the soil and uproot any weeds that develop soon before they go to seed.

Also, goat poop takes more time to decompose, so to avoid this we can crush these poops to make powder and can be used to plants immediately. 

Cow dung Vs goat Poop: 

Both cow dung and goat poop are good sources of nutrients for the soil, but there are some differences between them in terms of their nutrient content.  

Cow dung contains higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than goat poop. It also contains more organic matter, which helps improve soil structure and water-holding capacity.  

On the other hand, goat poop has a higher concentration of micronutrients such as copper, zinc, and sulfur. It also breaks down faster than cow dung, so it can release nutrients into the soil more quickly.  

Ultimately, the choice between using cow dung or goat poop as a fertilizer may depend on the specific needs of your soil and plants. You can also consider using a combination of both to provide a balanced mix of macro and micronutrients.

In conclusion, goat poop compost is an excellent organic fertilizer that can be used in a terrace garden. Composting the goat poop is crucial before using it as fertilizer, and it should always be mixed with soil before applying it to plants. With these simple steps, you can create nutrient-rich soil for your terrace garden and promote healthy plant growth.