Humus animal manures

In terms of economics or cost accounting, no wood products may be worth hauling to the field. Since their nutrient value is negligible, almost their whole value is dependent upon the value put on them as mulches and as humus sources. The situation here is even more unfavorable than for animal manures, discussed above the latter at least have a considerable nutrient value per ton even though the moisture content is much higher. 

Peat was often used in earlier years as both a humus source and as a fertilizer, with the expectation that it would give results similar to those obtained with animal manures. Although increased yields were often obtained, and the physical condition of the soil was improved, it did not act like animal manures. This was due in part to deficiencies in mineral nutrients, but to a greater extent to the comparatively inert nature of the material. As already pointed out, manure is an active material and as it decomposes, nutrients are constantly released through biological action. In contrast, peat is so resistant to decomposition that much of the release of nutrients must be through exchange reactions and as chelated elements. 

---