Is Elk Poop Good Fertilizer? A Complete Guide to Using This Natural Resource

Elk are majestic animals that roam wild across many parts of North America. As they graze and travel, they leave behind piles of nutrient-rich poop. This has led many gardeners and farmers to ask – can you use elk poop as fertilizer? The answer is yes, elk dung can make an excellent organic fertilizer. However, there are some important factors to consider when using elk manure in your garden.

Overview of Using Elk Poop as Fertilizer

Elk poop contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients plants need This makes it an attractive natural fertilizing option Benefits include

• Organic and renewable fertilizer source
• Slow release of nutrients over time
• Improvement of soil structure and microbial life
• Safe for most gardens when proper precautions taken

However fresh elk poop can contain harmful pathogens. It requires proper aging and handling to avoid risks. Overall, with careful use elk droppings can be a cost-effective, eco-friendly fertilizer.

Nutrient Content in Elk Manure

What exactly is in elk poop that makes it valuable as fertilizer? Here is an overview of the key nutrients:

• Nitrogen – Critical for foliage growth and chlorophyll production. Elk poop provides moderate nitrogen levels

• Phosphorus – Important for root, flower, and fruit development in plants. Elk manure contains fair phosphorus concentrations.

• Potassium – Helps plants resist disease and supports water regulation, photosynthesis and nutrient movement. Elk dung has abundant potassium.

• Micronutrients – Elk manure supplies many micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron and zinc that are essential for plant growth.

However, nutrient levels can vary based on the elk’s diet and age. Well-fed, mature elk produce the most nutritious poop. The best manure comes from wild forest and range grazing elk.

Benefits of Using Elk Poop Fertilizer

Using elk manure as fertilizer has many benefits:

• Organic – Elk poop is a natural, organic substance without synthetic chemicals. It enhances soil health without toxins.

• Renewable – Elk are a sustainable fertilizer source, unlike mined or synthetically-produced options. Their manure keeps replenishing.

• Slow release – Nutrients in elk dung break down gradually over months, providing long-term nourishment.

• Soil structure – The organic matter in elk poop improves soil texture, balances pH, and enhances microbial activity.

• Low cost – Harvesting your own elk manure is free. Purchased bulk deliveries are cheaper than bagged synthetic fertilizers.

• Wide availability – Elk poop can be found in many areas where wild elk roam and graze freely.

For organic gardeners, homesteaders, and small farmers, elk dung can be a viable sustainable fertilizer option.

How to Collect and Prepare Elk Poop for Use

Collecting and preparing elk manure takes some time and effort. Here are some tips:

• Scout fields, forests, and meadows in areas with elk activity to locate fresh scat piles for easy collection.

• Use gloves and shovel to collect droppings. Avoid contamination with dirt, leaves, etc.

• For composting, combine elk poop with leaves, straw, food scraps in a bin. Turn mixture periodically over several months as it decomposes.

• For ‘manure tea’, soak elk scat in a burlap sack in a bucket of water for 2-4 weeks until liquid is dark. Dilute tea before use.

• Allow raw, fresh elk dung to age and dry for 6-12 months before application to kill pathogens. Store in a breather sack or wire bin