manure

Manure is a dark, crumbly, nutrient-rich material added to soil to help plants grow better.

• Where it comes from: It forms when organic waste like vegetable peels, fallen leaves, and animal dung gets broken down in soil.
• Who makes it: Tiny living organisms in the soil—mainly bacteria and fungi—do the breaking down (they act like nature’s “clean-up team”).
• Why it is good for soil: Manure adds nutrients and humus (the dark part that improves soil), which helps soil hold water and makes it easier for roots to grow.
• What helps manure form well: The process works best when there is enough moisture and a suitable temperature; too dry or too cold slows it down.
• Everyday example: A compost pit or compost bin at home turns kitchen waste into manure-like compost that can be mixed into garden soil.

Using manure is a natural way to return nutrients to the soil—like recycling food and plant waste back into plant growth.