Several manure use options were analysed for profitability using results from research and farmer participatory trials that were conducted in the small-scale farming sector in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The options analysed for profitability were a) not using any manure b) using aerobically composted (heap stored) manure, c) using manure improved through anaerobic storage (pit-stored), d) different manure application methods i.e. banding, broadcasting and station placement and the use of manure in combination with inorganic fertiliser. The use of manure provided a marginal rate of return (MRR) of at least 600% compared to not using manure. The marginal rate of return on manure use was increased significantly by composting manure in pits. Financial benefits obtained from pit- stored manure were much higher in the first year of manure application compared to those of heap- stored manure. Higher returns from heap- stored manure were obtained in the second and third season after manure application. Overall undiscounted financial benefits for the three years were marginally higher for heap- stored manure. Using a discount rate of 100% financial benefits from using pit-stored manure were much higher than those of heap stored manure as pit-stored manure provided much higher returns in the first year of application. Higher financial benefits were obtained from supplementing manure with inorganic fertiliser compared to using manure alone. Banding and placing manure on-station (applying the manure to the hill of maize) increased returns from using both pit and heap stored manure. The conventional practice of broadcasting manure was found not to be profitable.
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