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Mr Ed
Lv 7
Mr Ed asked in EnvironmentOther - Environment · 1 decade ago

If ammonia is harmful, how come manure is good for the garden?

I'm quite aware my question may sound ignorant - but if I were knowledgeable on the subject, I wouldn't have to ask!

Update:

I understand that natural animal waste produces ammonia, which eventually produces nitrogen? (I'm just trying to make sense of all this - the articles I found with google seem to be written for people who understand the stuff! Could someone explain this as you would to a child? LOL!

Update 2:

Would putting too much manure in the garden be harmful, then?

Update 3:

Okay, so it's the age of the manure that makes the difference. That makes sense. TY

3 Answers

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  • John R
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Fresh manure is not good, because as you understand, high levels of ammonia are toxic. The stuff you buy commercially has been allowed to 'mature' so that the ammonia has largely been converted to nitrate compounds by the time you use it.

  • always b natural
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    It's the concentration of ammonia that is harmful.

    A bit is good, too much is harmful.

  • R T
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Because plants are not humans. Their chemistry is completely different.

    Source(s): ///
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