Chickens provide valuable plant fertilizer in addition to eggs.
Gardeners and farmers have used animal manure as fertilizers since the dawn of agriculture. Poultry manure has been particularly prized as a natural, organic fertilizer because its nitrogen content is relatively high. As a soil amendment, manure also contributes other nutrients and helps soil to hold both moisture and nutrients. Applying manure is now fully embraced as integral to sustainable agriculture. But there are cautions to consider. Does this Spark an idea?
Fertilizers
The three-number guaranteed analysis on commercial fertilizers, such as 15-30-15, refers to percentages of the three most significant plant nutrients provided as supplements--nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K), always in that order. Using the results and nutritional recommendations from a complete soil test, fertilizer analysis makes it possible to choose the right fertilizer and apply nutrients in the exact quantities needed. If a soil test calls for applying equal amounts of N, P and K at the rate of 10 pounds per acre, you might pick a 10-10-10 fertilizer--meaning it contains 10 percent of each, and 70 percent inert ingredients--then buy a 100-pound bag for every acre.
Manure
Most commercial fertilizers don't contain other significant nutrients like calcium, magnesium and sulfur, or any of the 10 micronutrients needed by plants in very small quantities. Manure often contains at least some essential ingredients, bound up in the organic matter that they also contribute. Organic matter, from whatever source, improves soil texture and its ability to hold moisture and nutrients.
Nitrogen
Chicken manure is high in nitrogen compared with other livestock manure. Nitrogen supports vigorous growth in the spring, and is essential in photosynthesis. But unlike synthetic or chemical fertilizers, with organic nutrient sources it's impossible to know exactly how much of any nutrient is available, or how much you're applying. What's available in manure may vary greatly, and the rate at which matter breaks down and releases nutrients can only be estimated. In general, however, chicken manure breaks down and releases its nutrients rapidly.
Phosphate
Poultry manure is also high in phosphate, which can be a problem when the soil doesn't need it. Phosphorous is essential to optimal crop production; it helps plants store and transfer energy and promotes root, flower and fruit development. Soil pH for maximum P uptake is between 6.0 and 7.0. Over-application of poultry manure can cause overgrowth of algae and aquatic weeds in nearby streams and lake.
Manure Safety
For all its benefits, chicken manure can have unintended effects when applied carelessly to food crops. All fresh animal manure can burn tender plant roots and vegetation. But poultry manure may contain disease organisms capable of contaminating root crops such as carrots, radishes and beets and leafy greens including lettuce and spinach. So chicken manure needs to be "hot composted," fully cured before application. Always wear gloves when handling manure, and thoroughly wash all vegetables before eating. Never add cat, dog or pig manure to compost piles. Make sure people particularly susceptible to food-borne illnesses, including pregnant women, children and people with compromised immune systems, eat only cooked vegetables grown in manured soils.
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