Manure pellets are animal manure that has been dried, treated and pressed into small, hard pellets. Pelleting turns a wet, bulky and smelly material into a product that stores well, travels further and spreads with ordinary fertilizer equipment.
Agromer supplies pelletised organic manure from dedicated production lines, for distributors, blenders and commercial growers. This page explains how manure pellets are made, what they contain, where they are used and what to agree before you order in bulk.
How manure pellets are made
The exact process differs between plants, but most follow the same steps:
- Collection: manure, often poultry manure, sometimes mixed with bedding or other organic material.
- Composting or drying: to reduce moisture and stabilise the material.
- Heat treatment: to reduce pathogens and weed seeds. Many importing countries require evidence of this.
- Pelleting: the dry material is pressed through a die to form pellets.
- Cooling, screening and packing: dust and fines are removed before bagging or bulk loading.
Why buyers choose pellets over raw manure
| Raw manure | Manure pellets | |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture | High | Low |
| Weight to transport | Heavy, much of it water | Much lighter per unit of nutrient |
| Odour | Strong | Much lower |
| Spreading | Muck spreaders | Standard fertilizer spreaders |
| Storage | Difficult | Bags or covered bulk |
| Consistency | Varies by load | More uniform analysis |
What manure pellets contain
Manure pellets supply nitrogen, phosphate and potash together with organic matter, calcium and micronutrients. The nutrient content varies widely with the animal, the feed, the bedding and the process, so there is no single standard analysis. Always buy against a certificate of analysis for the lot.
Much of the nitrogen is in organic form. It is released gradually as soil microbes break the material down, which suits crops with a long growing season and reduces the risk of losses compared with a single dose of soluble nitrogen. The organic matter feeds soil biology and helps soil structure and water holding.
Where manure pellets are used
- Organic farming, where approved by the certifier.
- Vegetables, fruit and vineyards, for organic matter and slow-release nutrients.
- Arable crops and grassland, as a base dressing.
- Blending, as the organic part of organo-mineral fertilizers.
- Landscaping and growing media in suitable grades.
For broader context, see organic vs chemical fertilizers and our guide to cow dung fertilizer.
Import rules for animal-derived fertilizers
Manure is an animal by-product, so many countries regulate its import. Requirements can include proof of heat treatment, veterinary or phytosanitary certificates, registration of the product and approval of the producing plant. Rules differ by country and change over time, so check your import requirements before you order. We can provide product documents for your application.
What to check before you buy
- Analysis: N, P2O5, K2O, organic matter, moisture and pH.
- Source: which animal manure, and any other materials in the blend.
- Treatment: heat treatment or sanitisation, with supporting documents.
- Pellet quality: diameter, hardness and dust level for your spreaders.
- Certification: organic input approval, if needed in your market.
- Packaging: bulk, big bags or 25 to 50 kg bags.
- Quantity, destination and Incoterm.
Our guide to requesting a bulk commodity quotation explains how to set out an enquiry.
Manure pellets from Agromer
Agromer has traded agricultural commodities internationally since 1985 from Saint-Avertin, France. We supply pelletised organic manure from dedicated production lines as part of our organic fertilizer range, alongside liquid biofertilizers, blood and bone fertilizer and lithothamnium. We trade with businesses only, in bulk shipments, and payment is by documentary letter of credit or SBLC.
Frequently asked questions
What are manure pellets?
Animal manure that has been dried, treated and pressed into pellets. They are easier to store, transport and spread than raw manure.
What is the NPK of manure pellets?
It varies with the manure source and the process, so there is no single figure. Buy against the certificate of analysis for each lot.
Are manure pellets organic?
They are an organic fertilizer, but organic certification depends on the product and your certifier. Tell us which certificate you need and we confirm what is available.
Do manure pellets smell?
Much less than raw manure, because they are dried and treated. Some odour is normal, especially when wet.
Can I import manure pellets into my country?
Often yes, but animal-derived fertilizers are regulated. You may need proof of heat treatment, veterinary or phytosanitary certificates and product registration. Check your national rules first.
What is the minimum order?
Agromer supplies businesses in bulk shipments only, not retail or small farm quantities. Send your quantity and destination and we confirm the options.