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Alpaca manure is reported to be one of the
richest organic fertilizers available. Although lower in organic
matter than other manures, it is an excellent source of nutrients
for optimal soil and plant health. It is a rich soil conditioner,
improving soil quality and enhancing the soils ability to retain
water. Good soil health reduces disease and pest problems.
Alpaca manure has plenty of nutrient value, even
though it will not equal the values available in chemical
fertilizers. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the major plant
nutrients, identified as N-P-K on fertilizer bags. Compared to
other livestock, nitrogen and potassium are comparatively high in
alpaca manure. Phosphorus is relatively low, with calcium and
magnesium being average. Alpaca manure adds organic materials to
the soil and promotes the growth of micro-organisms, both of which
are beneficial to plants.
Alpacas are partial ruminants with three
stomachs. They have a long digestive process, taking 50 hours to
fully utilize their food intake. The resulting dung is a solid
bean-shaped pellet, usually dry with little odor, non-burning and
prone to quick decomposition.
Differences of opinion abound regarding the
merits of new, aged and composted alpaca manure. Many argue that
alpaca manure straight from the field is safe to use. Others
believe composting is essential, utilizing aged organic matter that
has been changed by micro-organisms, heat and macro-organisms like
earthworms. At Alpaca Full Moon Farm we use the aging process,
assuring the manure has set for 9 to 12 months and been exposed to
the natural weather elements and macro- organisms that assist in
aerobic decomposition.
Alpaca manure is safe to use around tender
seedlings, vegetable, fruit and flower gardens, lawns and
established shrubs. It can be worked into the top soil of an
existing bed or used in the planting process. During winter months,
it can be spread over a snow covered garden plot and allowed to
soak into the soil as the snow melts. By early Spring the garden is
ready for tilling and planting.
Composted alpaca manure can offer additional
benefits. One of the easiest ways to create alpaca manure compost
is to mix it with other organic materials, turn the "cooking" pile
over, keep it moist but not wet and assure the compost reaches a
temperature of at least 131 degrees Fahrenheit for three
consecutive days. Finished compost will have a pleasant odor and
will be dark brown to black in color. Once added to the soil,
composted alpaca manure can help increase crop yields and promote
healthy, vigorous plant growth.
Whether you add alpaca manure directly to the
garden or use alpaca manure compost, your plants will thrive.
And.as an added incentive, it helps deter deer from eating your
plants as they experience the subtle aroma of alpaca manure as
offensive!
By the bag or by the truck load, Alpaca Full Moon Farm's black gold is yours for the taking and free of charge.
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Alpaca Full Moon
Farm
John and Lee Lane
9247 Ramey Road
Marshall, VA 20115
(540) 364-4720
lane@alpacafullmoon.com
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