The researchers studied how combining animal manure with maize straw affects decomposition and nutrient release. They used different types of animal manure with straw in an experiment on Humic Cambisols soil. The results showed that adding animal manure to straw sped up decomposition and increased nutrient release. After 240 days, the straw decomposition rates were highest in treatments with animal manure. The final release rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were highest for potassium, followed by phosphorus and nitrogen. The scanning electron microscopy revealed that pig manure treatment caused the most structural changes in maize straw. Overall, combining animal manure with straw, especially pig manure, is beneficial for promoting straw decomposition and nutrient release in agriculture.