Manure vs. Poop — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 16, 2024
Manure is organic material used as fertilizer in agriculture, typically composed of animal feces and bedding, while poop is a colloquial term for the waste matter excreted by animals, including humans.
Difference Between Manure and Poop
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Manure refers to animal feces mixed with bedding materials like straw, used to enrich soil in farming and gardening. It is valued for its nutrient content, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which promote plant growth. Poop, on the other hand, is a casual term for fecal matter excreted by animals, including humans. It is a byproduct of digestion and primarily consists of undigested food, bacteria, and waste products.
Manure is specifically collected and managed for agricultural purposes, often stored and composted to maximize its fertilizing potential. Poop, however, is generally seen as waste and is treated through sewage systems or disposed of, though it can be used in raw form by some animals as part of their natural behaviors.
The nutrient content of manure makes it highly beneficial for improving soil fertility and structure. In contrast, poop in its unprocessed form can carry harmful pathogens and is not suitable for direct application to crops. Manure's composting process helps mitigate these risks, making it a safe and effective fertilizer.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Organic material used as fertilizer
Colloquial term for animal feces
Composition
Animal feces mixed with bedding materials
Undigested food, bacteria, waste products
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Purpose
Fertilizing and enriching soil
Waste disposal
Processing
Often composted to reduce pathogens
Typically untreated
Agricultural Use
Widely used to improve soil fertility
Not directly used in agriculture
Compare with Definitions
Manure
Used to enhance soil fertility.
Manure is rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Poop
Waste product of digestion.
Human poop is processed through sewage systems.
Manure
Typically composted before application.
Composting manure helps reduce harmful pathogens.
Poop
The aftermost and highest deck of a ship, especially in a sailing ship where it typically forms the roof of a cabin in the stern
There on the poop stood Captain Meech
Manure
Manure is organic matter that is used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Most manure consists of animal feces; other sources include compost and green manure.
Poop
Excrement
Dog poop is a major source of water pollution on Cape Cod
Manure
Animal dung used for fertilizing land
Plenty of fully rotted horse manure can be dug in this fall
Poop
Up-to-date or inside information
Here's the latest poop from Hollywood
Manure
Apply manure to (land)
The ground should be well dug and manured
Poop
A stupid or ineffectual person
He was making fun of an old poop
Manure
The dung of livestock or poultry.
Poop
(of a wave) break over the stern of (a ship), sometimes causing it to capsize
Off Rame Head we were badly pooped
Manure
Such dung, or other organic or chemical material, used to fertilize soil.
Poop
Exhaust (someone)
I was pooped and just flopped into bed
Manure
To fertilize (soil) by applying material such as animal dung.
Poop
Defecate.
Manure
To cultivate by manual labor; to till; hence, to develop by culture.
Poop
An enclosed superstructure at the stern of a ship.
Manure
To apply manure (as fertilizer or soil improver).
The farmer manured his fallow field.
Poop
A poop deck.
Manure
Animal excrement, especially that of common domestic farm animals and when used as fertilizer. Generally speaking, from cows, horses, sheep, pigs and chickens.
Poop
Inside information
She gave me all the poop on the company party.
Manure
Any fertilizing substance, whether of animal origin or not; fertiliser.
Poop
A person regarded as very disagreeable.
Manure
(euphemism) Rubbish; nonsense; bullshit.
Poop
Excrement.
Manure
To cultivate by manual labor; to till; hence, to develop by culture.
To whom we gave the strand for to manure.
Manure thyself then; to thyself be improved;And with vain, outward things be no more moved.
Poop
To break over the stern of (a ship). Used of a wave.
Manure
To apply manure to; to enrich, as land, by the application of a fertilizing substance.
The blood of English shall manure the ground.
Poop
To take (a wave) over the stern.
Manure
Any matter which makes land productive; a fertilizing substance.
Poop
To cause to become fatigued; tire
"Many people stop here, pooped by the short, steep climb" (Sierra Club Guides to the National Parks).
Manure
Any animal or plant material used to fertilize land especially animal excreta usually with litter material
Poop
To defecate.
Manure
Spread manure, as for fertilization
Poop
To defecate in (one's clothes or bed, for example).
Manure
Organic fertilizer composed of animal feces and bedding.
The farmer spread manure on the fields to improve soil quality.
Poop
To make a short blast on a horn.
Manure
Commonly derived from livestock such as cows and horses.
Cow manure is a popular choice for organic farming.
Poop
To break wind.
Manure
Improves soil structure and promotes healthy plant growth.
The gardener used manure to enrich the vegetable garden soil.
Poop
To defecate.
His horse pooped right in the middle of the parade.
Poop
(transitive) To tire, exhaust. Often used with out.
I'm pooped from working so hard.
He pooped out a few strides from the finish line.
Poop
(transitive) To break seawater with the poop of a vessel, especially the poop deck.
We were pooped within hailing of the quay and were nearly sunk.
Poop
(transitive) To embark a ship over the stern.
Poop
Fecal matter; feces.
The dog poop is on the grass.
Poop
The sound of a steam engine's whistle, typically low-pitched.
Poop
A set of data or general information, written or spoken, usually concerning machinery or a process.
Here’s the info paper with the poop on that carburetor.
Poop
(nautical) The stern of a ship.
Poop
(nautical) The poop deck.
Poop
(informal) A stupid or ineffectual person.
Poop
Expressing annoyed disappointment.
Poop
See 2d Poppy.
Poop
A deck raised above the after part of a vessel; the hindmost or after part of a vessel's hull; also, a cabin covered by such a deck. See Poop deck, under Deck. See also Roundhouse.
With wind in poop, the vessel plows the sea.
The poop was beaten gold.
Poop
To make a noise; to pop; also, to break wind.
Poop
To break over the poop or stern, as a wave.
Poop
Obscene terms for feces
Poop
A stupid foolish person
Poop
Slang terms for inside information;
Is that the straight dope?
Poop
The rear part of a ship
Poop
Colloquial term for fecal matter excreted by animals.
The dog pooped in the backyard.
Poop
Consists of undigested food, bacteria, and waste products.
Poop is a natural byproduct of the digestive process.
Poop
Not typically used directly in agriculture.
Animal poop can carry harmful pathogens if not treated.
Poop
Generally seen as waste to be disposed of.
Parents often have to deal with their baby's poop.
Common Curiosities
Is manure always made from animal feces?
Yes, manure typically includes animal feces mixed with bedding materials.
Can poop be used directly as fertilizer?
No, poop needs to be processed, like composting, to be safely used as fertilizer.
Is human poop used in agriculture?
Generally, no. Human poop is usually treated and disposed of through sewage systems.
What is the main difference between manure and poop?
Manure is used as fertilizer in agriculture, while poop is a general term for animal feces.
What nutrients are found in manure?
Manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Is poop harmful to plants if used directly?
Yes, raw poop can carry pathogens and harm plants if not properly treated.
Can manure be made from human waste?
In some cases, human waste is processed into composted fertilizers, but this is less common and requires strict sanitation practices.
Is poop composted for any purpose?
Yes, poop can be composted, especially from herbivorous animals, to create safe manure.
What animals are common sources of manure?
Cows, horses, chickens, and sheep are common sources of manure.
What is the primary use of manure?
Manure is primarily used to enrich soil and promote plant growth.
Can manure improve soil structure?
Yes, manure helps improve soil structure and fertility.
Does manure need to be composted before use?
Composting manure is recommended to reduce pathogens and enhance its suitability as fertilizer.
Can all animal poop be turned into manure?
Potentially, but it requires proper composting and management to be safe and effective.
Why is manure preferred over raw poop in agriculture?
Manure is composted to reduce pathogens and improve its nutrient content.
Is poop biodegradable?
Yes, poop is biodegradable and can be broken down through composting.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
