Organic fertilizer made from chicken poop can be very helpful for farms and gardens. But it’s important to know exactly how much nitrogen it has for the right application rates. This article will talk about how the nitrogen level in chicken manure can change and give some average numbers.
What Factors Affect Nitrogen Levels?
Several key factors impact the nitrogen concentration in chicken manure:
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Chicken diet – The more protein fed to chickens, the more nitrogen will be present in manure Laying hens fed higher protein layers rations produce manure with more nitrogen than broilers fed grower diets.
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Manure handling – Nitrogen can be lost during manure storage and handling through volatilization of ammonia. Storing manure in uncovered piles causes the most nitrogen loss.
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Manure moisture content – Wet manure loses more nitrogen than drier manure. The nitrogen content values are commonly reported on a dry weight basis to account for moisture content variations.
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Bird age – Mature laying hens produce manure with higher nitrogen levels compared to pullets or broilers.
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Bedding/litter – More nitrogen will be present when manure contains more bedding or litter material.
Typical Nitrogen Contents
Typical nitrogen contents on a dry weight basis are:
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Broiler litter – 60 to 80 lbs N per ton
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Layer manure (high-rise houses) – 50 to 60 lbs N per ton
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Layer manure (cage houses) – 35 to 45 lbs N per ton
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Turkey litter – 40 to 60 lbs N per ton
These values can vary considerably from farm to farm. Regular manure testing is recommended to determine actual nitrogen levels.
Forms of Nitrogen in Chicken Manure
Chicken manure contains nitrogen in both organic and inorganic forms:
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Ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) – This inorganic form is readily available to plants. It makes up 5-15% of total nitrogen.
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Organic-nitrogen – Nitrogen contained in the organic matter. It becomes available through mineralization by soil microbes. Organic-N is 50-70% of total nitrogen.
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Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) – This plant available form is generally low unless manure undergoes composting.
Estimating Available Nitrogen
Plants can’t use all the nitrogen in chicken manure right away. Availability depends on handling and application methods.
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Ammonium-N – 40-60% is available if incorporated into soil. Only 20-40% is available if left on the soil surface.
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Organic-N – Approximately 50% mineralizes and becomes available the first season after application.
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Nitrate-N – All nitrate-nitrogen is readily available.
Typical available nitrogen contents for surface applied broiler litter are:
- 15-25 lbs NH4-N per ton
- 25-35 lbs organic-N per ton
Incorporated broiler litter may have 10 lbs/ton more available NH4-N.
Proper Application Rates
With information on manure nitrogen content, appropriate application rates can be calculated to meet crop needs without over applying. Always following nutrient management guidelines based on soil tests. Chicken manure can provide substantial amounts of nitrogen for crop production when managed properly.
Key Takeaways:
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The nitrogen content of chicken manure varies substantially depending on several factors. Regular testing is recommended.
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Typical nitrogen values range from 35-80 lbs N per ton on a dry weight basis.
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Ammonium, organic, and nitrate nitrogen are present, with organic-N comprising over half of the total.
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Only a fraction of the manure nitrogen is available to the crop in the first season after application.
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Proper application rates based on realistic available nitrogen estimates prevents nitrogen loss and pollution.
Second-Year Fertility BenefitsOne of the unique advantages of chicken manure pellets is their ability to provide fertility benefits for multiple years. Unlike some other fertilizers, chicken manure can offer residual effects, providing nutrients to the soil in the second year after application. This can reduce the need for additional fertilization, saving farmers time and money.
Farmers Scott and Mark from Cokato, Minnesota, use chicken manure from CFS and have had great results for many years. They appreciate the ease of handling, the nutrient-rich composition, and the second-year fertility benefits that chicken manure provides. According to Scott and Mark, “Chicken manure has been a game-changer for our farms. It has helped us achieve consistent yields and maintain healthy soil. ”.
Scott & Mark have been purchasing manure from CFS since 2012.
Is Chicken Manure Better Than Cow Manure?
When it comes to fertilizing organic crops, farmers often turn to natural, manure-based options. Among the various choices available, chicken manure has emerged as a standout option due to its impressive nutrient content and ease of handling. This article will talk about the pros and cons of chicken manure, compare it to cow manure, and explain why many organic farmers choose it.
How to Make Chicken Manure Compost | Best Nitrogen Manure Source
FAQ
Is chicken manure high in nitrogen?
Which manure is highest in nitrogen?
Table 1 compares the nitrogen content availability for different poultry. Poultry manure typically has the highest nitrogen content. Laboratory analysis is recommended to determine actual nitrogen content of the source material.
Is chicken manure better than cow manure?
What is the NPK value of chicken manure?
Fresh chicken manure contains 0. 5% to 0. 9% nitrogen, 0. 4% to 0. 5% phosphorus, and 1. 2% to 1. 7% potassium. One chicken produces approximately 8 to 11 pounds (3. 6 to 5. 0 kg) of manure monthly. Chicken manure can be used to create homemade plant fertilizer.