letame

Letame is a term used for animal manure, a natural fertilizer produced by farm animals and their bedding materials. It comprises excreta mixed with urine and litter and is used to improve soil fertility by supplying organic matter and plant nutrients. Letame comes in several forms, including fresh manure, slurry, and composted or well-aged manure. Composted letame generally has lower odor and fewer pathogens than fresh material and is often preferred for crop production.

Nutrients supplied by letame include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace elements. The nutrient content varies with the animal source, diet, and how the manure is processed. Benefits of using letame include improved soil structure, increased water-holding capacity, enhanced microbial activity, and a more gradual release of nutrients compared with some synthetic fertilizers.

Management considerations are important because improper use can lead to odor, ammonia volatilization, nutrient leaching, and environmental impacts such as water pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. Risks include the presence of pathogens or weed seeds in untreated material and potential phosphorus buildup in soils. Practices to mitigate these risks include composting, appropriate storage, timing applications to crop demand, and measures to prevent runoff.

Application methods include surface spreading with subsequent incorporation, injection in some systems, or banding near seedlines. Rates depend on soil test results, the type of manure, and crop requirements. Regulatory and farm-management approaches vary by region but often emphasize manure management plans to balance nutrient supply with environmental protection. Historically, letame has been a central fertilizer in mixed farming, helping recycle nutrients within farm ecosystems.