The Effect of Manure on Sweet Pepper

Using Manure

• Unlike inorganic or manufactured fertilizers that can be sprinkled on top of the ground, well-rotted manure releases its full benefit when worked into the soil a month or more before planting. Some gardeners work livestock manure into the soil in fall for spring planting the next year. Apply 40 lbs. of composted manure evenly over every 100 square feet of planting area and work it into the top 6 to 9 inches of topsoil.

Nutrient Levels

• Manure supplies nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, or NPK, the three major nutrients plants need from the soil or from fertilizers. Nutrient levels depend on many factors, but hot-composted or well-aged manure from well-fed livestock is ideal. Nitrogen is present in both slow-release organic and inorganic forms, so some is immediately available while the rest is slowly released later, along with micronutrients that plants need in small quantities. Most phosphorous and potassium is immediately available, but some will break down for later use. Side-dress with aged manure as tiny peppers begin to form, when plants need some nitrogen -- but not too much -- to avoid plant damage.

Soil Quality

• Pepper plants need steady moisture to avoid water stress that can affect fruit production. Blossom end rot, caused by water stress, is a leathery tan spot at the blossom end of peppers that develops due to fluctuating soil water levels. High levels of manure and other organic matter in the soil greatly improve the soil's ability to hold moisture, which supports pepper health all summer long. Organic mulch also helps retain soil moisture, maintain warm soil temperature and deter weeds -- all to the immediate benefit of peppers -- and further boosts soil organic matter when it's turned under in fall.

Overall Quality

• Aged manure and other organic matter in soil improve plant health and pepper quality in ways difficult to quantify. Livestock manure continually builds soil by returning organic matter and calcium, magnesium, sulfur and other nutrients to improve soil texture and fertility. In addition to increased nutrient levels and water-holding capacity, this organic matter helps water infiltrate the soil, reduces erosion from wind and water and supports beneficial organisms that contribute to healthy soil and plants.

Potential Problems

• Inexperienced gardeners sometimes apply fresh or "hot" horse, cattle or other animal manure, which can damage plants, kill seedlings and "burn up" nutrients before plants can use them. Fresh manures may contain dangerous bacteria including E. coli, listeria and salmonella -- another reason only well-aged or composted manure should be used in the garden. Using fresh manure also increases the number of weeds you'll be battling, because grain and weed seeds survive animal digestion. Another serious mistake is using feces from cats, dogs or other meat-eating animals, which can transmit diseases and parasites to people.