Author: Ron Wiederholt, Nutrient Management Specialist, North Dakota State University

Yes. Besides nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium available in manures for crop growth, there is an abundance of “organic” constituents that help increase soil health. The soil health-building attributes of manure really pay dividends over the long term with manure use. There are also various micronutrients available in manure such as sulfur and boron. Depending on what your crop rotation is, these micronutrients can be very valuable for consistent grain yields or forage quality.

These and other benefits of manure are discussed in detail in a National Center for Manure and Waste Management white paper available at Land Application of Manure for Beneficial Reuse.