JIGJIGA UNIVERSITY 

COLLEGE OF DRY LAND agriculture

DEPARTMENT OF RDAE
COURSE TITLE:AKIS
ASSIGNMENT: GROUP, GROUP ONE
 1. Animal Manure (Animal Dung) As A Fertilizer.
2. Introduction
Animal manures are the solid, semisolid, and liquid by-products generated by
animals grown to produce meat, milk, eggs, and other agricultural products for
human use and consumption. They are mixtures of animal feces, urine, bedding
materials (e.g., straw, sawdust, rice hulls), and other materials associated with
animal production, such as waste feed, soil, wash waters, and any chemical or
physical amendments used during manure handling and storage. Manures have
been used as beneficial soil amendments since the dawn of civilization and were
the primary soil amendment used in agriculture until the advent of
chemical fertilizers in the 1940s. Today, manures continue to be regarded as
valuable agricultural resources, because they are important sources of plant
nutrients and are well known to improve soil physical and biological
properties through the addition of organic matter.
Animal manures are an important source of agricultural nutrients, including N, and
contribute to soil N O emissions.
2

2.1.Purpose of using this particular knowledge

Animal manure has been used for centuries as a fertilizer for farming. It can
improve the soil structure (aggregation) so that the soil holds more nutrients
and water, and therefore becomes more fertile. Animal manure also encourages
soil microbial activity which promotes the soil's trace mineral supply,
improving plant nutrition. It also contains some nitrogen and other nutrients
that assist the growth of plants.[6]
 sAnimal manure, when correctly applied, can help to solve several of
these issues.
A. Soil chemical properties
Soil chemical properties are necessary for well-functioning soils to support
development and functions of plant and soil organisms. Of the many soil chemical
properties the following are affected by manure application:
 Soil Organic Matter  Ph
 Nutrients Content
 Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
 B.
C.Soil Physical Properties
Generally, the soil physical properties demonstrate how well the soil can
provide physical stability and support for soil organisms and plants. Some
of the physical properties affected by manure application are:
 Bulk Density  Water Infiltration

 Soil Aggregate Stability  Water Holding Capacity

Animal manure applications can increase soil organic matter in medium / long term
application periods. Consequently, manure contributes to reducing soil bulk density
and compaction, as well as increasing soil aggregate stability, water infiltration and
retention. Taken together, manure helps reduce erosion, ponding and crop stress.
D.Soil Biological Properties
Soil biology is composed of all live organisms within the soil (plant roots,
earthworms, fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, algae, protozoa, nematodes, mites,
springtails, and small insects). All of them play an important role in building soil
health, facilitating soil organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling and soil
particles aggregation. For these reasons, their abundance and activity have a direct
impact on the availability of nutrients that plants can absorb to grow.
2.2 When should we practice this knowledge?
Late winter/spring is the best time of year to spread as this is when crops
are most likely to be able to take up nutrients, so you can maximise
yields, reduce fertiliser costs and minimise nutrient losses to the
environment.
If you supply nutrients during the autumn or early winter which are
not needed at that time, in particular nitrogen, they will be lost
through run off and leaching (especially on shallow/sandy soils). In
the summer there is less risk of leaching, but extra nitrogen is lost
from manure applications as ammonia gas.
3. Pros and cons
A. Merits
 1. Improves the soil.
Some of the greatest benefits of manure are that manure increases soil carbon, while
also reducing atmospheric carbon.
2. High in nutrients.
Manure is high in nutrients that plants need to grow properly, such as nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Different types of animal manure
have different levels of these nutrients. For example, sheep and poultry manure are
higher in these nutrients than horse or cow manure
3. Easy to come by.
Other benefits of using manure t it repurposes livestock waste and it is
generally much lower cost than commercial fertilizers. Manure is also usually
easy to come by.
4. Soil Structure
Because of the organic matter present in organic fertilizer, soil structure is improved and as a
result the soil’s ability to hold onto water and nutrients increases.
5. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly
Chemical fertilizers runoff into our waterways harming marine life and water quality.
Organic fertilizers do not run off as easily (if at all) and are associated with soil structure.
6. Reduce Fertilizers and Pesticides
Although organic fertilizer can be more costly than synthetic, it can reduce the need for
pesticides and the overall nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium requirements. Because of the
reductions, organic fertilizer can be cost neutral and sometimes a cost savings.
7. Plant Damage Threat Avoided
Some chemical fertilizers can cause plant damage to leaves and roots. This is less likely with
organic fertilizers.
B. Demerits
1. Manure should be composted first.
There are two main types of animal manure, hot and cold. Hot manures have high
amounts of nitrogen and must be well composted. These include rabbit, horse,
sheep and cow manures. Cold manure is lower in nitrogen and can be used in
 moderation in its fresh state. Both types should be worked into soil well at least
two months prior to planting edible crops. In organic production, no manure can be
used in the year in which a crop will be harvested, so for organic certification only
green manures should be applied to soil.
2. Contaminants may still remain.
The bad news is that even composted manure can still retain hormones, antibiotics,
viable weed seeds, pesticides and diseases. In fact, while rare, Salmonella and E. coli
have both been found in well composted manures and can be transmitted to food crops,
especially those that are eaten raw.

3. May lead to excess nutrients.

Other reasons against fertilizing with manure are that soil health can be affected by
consistent use of the product. It imparts necessary plant nutrients but may cause a
build-up of certain nutrients and minerals. These excess components leach out of soil
and run off into waterways. Excess nitrogen in water causes algae blooms and other
effects. Copper is an additive in many poultry feeds. Chicken manure retains that
copper and can build up to soil to a toxic degree, burning plant roots.
4. Select one scientific knowledge that complements this traditional
knowledge; chemical fertilizers
4.1. Introduction to chemical fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers are man-made, inorganic fertilizers. They are normally derived
from the by-products of the petroleum industry and include such ingredients as
potassium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, superphosphate, and ammonium nitrate.
Most chemical fertilizers do not contain as many of the micronutrients that plants
frequently require for healthy growth. Chemical fertilizers tend to be made up of a
combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur.
There are many forms of chemical fertilizers on the market, including all-purpose
fertilizer, lawn fertilizer, ornamental plant fertilizer, quick-release fertilizer, slow-
release fertilizer, and so on.
A plant cannot distinguish between organic or inorganic/chemical fertilizers. But,
unlike organic fertilizers, adding chemical fertilizers to the soil frequently kills
beneficial soil microorganisms due to how strong they are. Fortunately, more and
more research is being down on modern-day fertilizer formulas to counter this effect
of chemical fertilizers.
 When using chemical fertilizers, application instructions should always be closely
followed because chemical fertilizers are made up of chemicals that may harm a plant’s
roots if applied too heavily. Many growers find themselves using a combination of
organic and chemical fertilizers.
Chemical fertilizers are often released quickly into the soil, unlike organic fertilizers. The
rapid rate of release causes the plant to readily absorb the fertilizer and often makes the
plant grow abundant top growth, but not a sufficient root system to hold the plant upright.
Plants fertilized with chemical fertilizers often boast weaker growth and are more
disease-prone.
4.2. who are the implementers and how they implement?
Commercial growers often use this knowledge, but local farmers make use of it. As
chemical fertilizers are chemical in nature, they need professionals who know how to
apply it. Moreover trained framers can implement this knowledge.
There are a number of different methods for applying fertilizer, including direct
application by hand, broadcast application, dilution application and using
mechanical equipment to side dress the fertilizer to the growing bed. Which
method used depends on the amount of fertilizer to be applied, the size of area it is
to be applied on, and the size of the plants you are fertilizing.
Advantage: Faster Nutrient Release
Unless you buy a synthetic, artificial fertiliser specifically formulated as a slow-releasing
formula, artificial fertilisers generally make their nutrients available to your plants immediately.
This gives your garden an immediate nutrient boost. In contrast, fertilisers made from organic
matter release their nutrients more slowly via the process of decomposing and bacteria growth,
which thus requires more advanced planning and proper application timing.
4.3. Pros and Cons of Chemical Fertilizers
A. Advantage
Precise Nutrient Dosages
Chemical fertilisers are very precise when it comes to nutrient levels. They often come
labelled with their specific nutrient content, plus how much fertiliser you need to apply to
obtain a specific result. In contrast, organic fertilisers, such as manure or compost, have
varying levels of nutrients and it can be much harder to determine how much fertiliser
you need to apply.
Soluble in water
•Chemical fertilizers are easily soluble in water and are easily absorbed by the plants.
Maximum yield
•By using chemical fertilizers we can ensure good yield.
B. Disadvantage
Constant Application Needed
While their quick-releasing action means chemical fertilisers offer up their nutrients
quickly, it also means that these nutrients quickly dissipate. This requires constant
applications throughout the growing season to maintain soil nutrient levels. In
contrast, natural, organic fertilisers release their nutrients slowly over time and don't
need to be replenished as often.

Environmental Pollution
Irrigation or rainfall can leech artificial fertilisers' nutrients, specifically high levels
of nitrogen, away from their direct application spot. This excess nitrogen can then
end up in nearby waterways and groundwater. This can cause various forms of
environmental pollution and side effects, including fish kills in rivers and algae
blooms in lakes.
Plant Toxicity
Because chemical fertilisers have higher levels of quick-releasing nitrogen, it can
be easier to accidentally overdose your soil with nitrogen. This can result in
chemical burns to your plants' roots and green tissue.
While their quick-releasing action means chemical fertilisers offer up their
nutrients quickly, it also means that these nutrients quickly dissipate.
Because chemical fertilisers have higher levels of quick-releasing nitrogen,
it can be easier to accidentally overdose your soil with nitrogen.
Not Eco-Friendly
Unlike organic fertilizer, chemical fertilizer is not eco-friendly at all. For one thing,
it’s made from petroleum products, which are not sustainable. In addition,
chemical fertilizer leaches into water sources, causing water pollution.
Manufacturing chemical fertilizer consumes enormous amounts of energy too.
Doesn't Improve Soil Structure
While chemical fertilizers support plant growth, they do nothing when it comes to
improving the soil structure. Chemical fertilizers won’t enhance the soil’s health
nor will it support the life within the garden because these products do not contain
organic matter.
Frequent Application and Over-Fertilization
You have to be careful in terms of the amount of chemical fertilizer you use to
amend the soil. For one thing, the quick release of nutrients means that it is easy to
over-fertilize the plants. Over-fertilization can kill plant life and upset the garden’s
entire ecosystem! Unfortunately, since this product tends to filter away from plants,
you’d have to apply more of it.
Toxic Buildup
Toxic Buildup Chemical fertilizers aren’t recommended for repeated applications
and long-term use. These products could cause the buildup of dangerous chemicals
including as arsenic, cadmium, and uranium. In addition, long-term use of
chemical fertilizers may alter the soil’s pH permanently, contributing to the release
of greenhouse gases and killing off entire microbial ecosystems.

5.defferentiate between scientific and indeginous knowledge

 IKS is defined as technical insight of wisdom gained and developed by people

in a particular locality through years of careful observation and experimentation
with the phenomena around them. IKS is not just a set of information that is in
the minds of the people, which can be simply taped and applied. It is accessible
by recall and practice (Mangetane, 2001).
 IKS is embodied in culture and is described as an integrated pattern of human
knowledge, beliefs and behavior. It consists of language, ideas, beliefs,
customs, taboos, codes, institutions, tools, techniques, artifacts, rituals,
ceremonies, folklores and gender.
 Scientific knowledge is the set of verifiable knowledge given by certain thanks
to the steps contemplated in the scientific method . That is, those knowledge
obtained through the rigorous, methodical and verifiable study of the
phenomena of nature.
Scientific knowledge is based on evidence and is included in scientific theories:
consistent and deductively complete sets of propositions around a topic of
scientific interest, which describe it and give it a verifiable explanation. These
theories can be renewed, modified or even substituted by another one to the extent
that their results or interpretations respond better to reality and are consistent with
other scientific postulates proven as true.
 REFERENCES
1.INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY , freshman module
2.https://www.routledge.com/What-is-Scientific-Knowledge-An-Introduction-to-
ContemporaryEpistemology/McCainKampourakis/p/book/9781138570153
3.www.researchgate.net/chemicals
4.https://ecogardener.com/blogs/news/the-pros-and-cons-of-organic-and-chemical-
fertilizers#content-5
5.https://www.fixr.com/comparisons/organic-vs-synthetic-fertilizer
6.https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/indigenous-
knowledge
7.https://www.maximumyield.com/definition/677/synthetic-fertilizer
8.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
246458426_Indigenous_and_Scientific_Knowledge_Some_Critical_Comments
9.https://www.holganix.com/blog/what-are-synthetic-fertilizers-organic-fertilizers-
soil-amendments
10.https://water.unl.edu/article/manure-nutrient-management/how-can-animal-
manure-help-my-soils-be-healthier-and-more
11.https://www.almanac.com/how-fertilize-your-vegetable-garden
12.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manure#:~:text=Animal%20manure%2C%20such
%20as%20chicken,and%20therefore%20becomes%20more%20fertile.