I've noticed that the price of manure has skyrocketed recently, and it used to be cheaper than buying compost. I'm curious what could be causing this sudden increase in cost. Is it due to a decrease in livestock like horses and cows? Or maybe there's another reason behind the higher prices? I ask because I've been looking for alternatives online, but my local supplier offered a mix of mostly straw with some manure, which wasn't great for my needs.
3 Answers
Don't forget about the weed-killers some farmers use, like aminopyralid, that can linger in manure and ruin your plants. It makes sourcing high-quality manure much trickier now, which is another reason for price increases. It's becoming more of a hassle to find the right stuff for our gardens!
Great question! It's actually a mix of factors. For one, manure is now being utilized in anaerobic digestion to create biomethane gas, which means it has a monetary value that wasn't there before. Plus, there's a growing demand for clean manure, which can be hard to guarantee. That could push prices up as suppliers have to ensure their product is free of contaminants. It's a whole different ball game now!
Transport costs play a huge role too! Both manure and compost are heavy, and with rising fuel prices, that can make online orders super pricey. Locally, you might find better deals because you can pick it up yourself. I live in the city and face the same issue—it's tough trying to get heavy products home without a vehicle. Just a heads up, you could consider trying dry coir products instead, which are lighter and cheaper!
I've had that problem too with online prices. Definitely agree on looking for local options!
Yeah, I get that! It's wild how something once considered waste is now a valuable resource.