horse manure vs multipurpose compost - growing seedlings

  • 6 Replies
  • 3642 Views
*

Raf

  • Newbie
  • *
  • 3
Hello,

I'm doing comparison test between seedlings growing in 8 months old horse manure and the regular multipurpose compost.
I've planted clover, lupin, nasturtium, mustard (Horse manure on the left and multipurpose compost on the right).
What I've noticed is slower growth in horse manure and lower germination rate for all plants (might be because it is lumpy).
I'm yet to do ph test of both but what I wonder is why nasturtium and mustard have red/purple stems and outline of leaves, do you think it might be some kind of deficiency like phosphorous ?

http://s14.postimg.org/nc0oip1dt/IMG_20160221_072943.jpg
http://s28.postimg.org/y92tzes31/IMG_20160221_072831.jpg
http://s21.postimg.org/rbu9tdpav/IMG_20160221_072845.jpg

Thanks
Raf
« Last Edit: February 24, 2016, 08:10 by Raf »

*

Trikidiki

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Location: Near Romsey, Hampshire
  • 954
Re: horse manure vs multipurpose compost - growing seedlings
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2016, 08:15 »
I think it is generally accepted that manure is too 'strong' for seeds and seedlings. A bit like feeding coffee and steak to a baby.

*

Scottish Mike

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Location: Coventry
  • 55
Re: horse manure vs multipurpose compost - growing seedlings
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2016, 12:48 »
If you plant nasturtiums in rich soil you'll get lots of foliage but few flowers; IIRC they like soil that doesn't have a lot of nutrition in it.

*

LandShark

  • Experienced Member
  • ***
  • Location: Ayrshire
  • 164
Re: horse manure vs multipurpose compost - growing seedlings
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2016, 20:54 »
When I was studying horticulture at college we were always told to use seed compost as multi-purpose had too much feeding and that it inhibited seed germination. And also not to start feeding seedlings until after they had they're first true leaves as too much fertiliser stunts their growth.
I usually start off with seed compost but if I run out while sowing I will just use sieved multi-purpose, the germination rate difference has never been too noticeable.

*

Raf

  • Newbie
  • *
  • 3
Re: horse manure vs multipurpose compost - growing seedlings
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2016, 06:22 »
Thanks  for all the answer ;) I've been more and more puzzled by this, it seems that symptoms indicate lack of nutrients but might be caused by to many nutrients...not sure why is that need to learn more about it. 
I also have noticed the leafs are purple underneath.

http://s10.postimg.org/k1t6tbuvd/IMG_20160224_200401.jpg

one thing for sure this just confirm that horse manure isn't great to grow seedlings even the structure is really bad all lumpy and dries out on the the top while retaining to much moister at the bottom. I think it was still good to do the test just to see if it may contain any herbicide.
« Last Edit: February 26, 2016, 06:23 by Raf »

*

Trikidiki

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Location: Near Romsey, Hampshire
  • 954
Re: horse manure vs multipurpose compost - growing seedlings
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2016, 08:18 »
The answer lies in the realms of chemistry, things like ion exchange which I know nothing about.

As you said though, a good experimnt, especially as you now know your manure is 'safe'.

*

danny1936

  • New Member
  • *
  • 20
Re: horse manure vs multipurpose compost - growing seedlings
« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2016, 07:52 »
I have some horse muck which is less than a year old. I have sieved it and am using it for my seeds. They are comig up nicely...........



xx
Horse poo vs multipurpose

Started by FCG on Grow Your Own

13 Replies
2760 Views
Last post May 12, 2009, 21:26
by rideandy
xx
Growing in Horse Manure

Started by freefolk on Grow Your Own

8 Replies
1809 Views
Last post March 14, 2019, 10:06
by Hampshire Hog
xx
Adding horse manure to a compost bin?

Started by Casey76 on Grow Your Own

2 Replies
4446 Views
Last post March 14, 2014, 09:59
by gavinjconway
xx
Horse manure compost and carrots

Started by cc on Grow Your Own

1 Replies
1031 Views
Last post October 07, 2020, 21:07
by CHRISDONOHUE
 

Page created in 0.432 seconds with 39 queries.

Powered by SMFPacks Social Login Mod
Powered by SMFPacks SEO Pro Mod |