Manure is an organic substance obtained from the decomposition of plant or animal wastes. Farmers dump plant and animal wastes in pits at open places and allow them to decompose. The decomposition is caused by some micro-organisms. Over a period of time, the decomposed matter converts into manure.

A manure is a natural substance obtained by the decomposition of animal wastes like cow dung ,human wastes, and plant residues.

Introduction:
Manure is an organic material that is used by farmers to improve soil fertility and enhance crop growth. It is composed of decomposed plant and animal waste, which provides essential nutrients to the soil and helps in maintaining its structure. Farmers prepare manure through a process called composting, where organic waste materials are broken down by microorganisms.

Process of preparing manure:

1. Collection of organic waste:
- Farmers collect a variety of organic waste materials such as crop residues, animal droppings, kitchen waste, and leftover plant material.
- These waste materials are rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth.

2. Sorting and shredding:
- The collected waste materials are sorted to remove any non-biodegradable substances like plastic or metal.
- Shredding or chopping the waste materials into smaller pieces helps in accelerating the decomposition process.

3. Piling or stacking:
- The shredded waste materials are piled in a designated area, usually in the form of a compost heap or a pit.
- The size of the pile should be large enough to generate heat and maintain optimum moisture levels for decomposition.

4. Turning or mixing:
- Regular turning or mixing of the pile is necessary to ensure proper aeration and even distribution of moisture.
- This helps in speeding up the decomposition process and prevents the formation of anaerobic conditions.

5. Moisture management:
- Maintaining the right moisture content is crucial for the decomposition of organic waste.
- The pile should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.

6. Temperature monitoring:
- Composting generates heat due to the microbial activity breaking down the organic matter.
- Farmers monitor the temperature of the compost pile regularly to ensure it remains within the ideal range of 50-65°C (122-149°F).
- This temperature range promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms while killing off pathogens and weed seeds.

7. Maturation and curing:
- The composting process takes several weeks to months, depending on the type of waste materials and environmental conditions.
- Once the organic waste has decomposed sufficiently and transformed into a dark, crumbly substance, it is considered matured.
- Matured manure is then cured for a few weeks to allow the remaining microorganisms to stabilize and further break down any remaining organic matter.

8. Application:
- The prepared manure is ready to be applied to the soil.
- Farmers spread the manure evenly over their fields, incorporating it into the top layer of soil.
- This enriches the soil with nutrients, improves its structure, and enhances the overall fertility, leading to healthier and more productive crops.

Conclusion:
Preparing manure is a systematic process that involves collecting organic waste, sorting and shredding it, piling or stacking it in a designated area, turning or mixing it regularly, managing moisture levels, monitoring temperature, allowing the compost to mature and cure, and finally applying it to the soil. This process helps farmers utilize organic waste effectively, enhance soil fertility, and promote sustainable agriculture practices.