Cooperative Extension Service
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
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Maximizing Poultry Manure Use
Through Nutrient Management Planning

Casey W. Ritz and William C. Merka
Extension Poultry Scientists

Quantity of Poultry Fertilizer Generated
Composition of Poultry Fertilizer
Application of Poultry Fertilizer
Record Keeping
References

Table 1: Average nutrient composition of poultry manure on an as-received basis
Table 2: Mineral analysis of poultry litter on an as-received basis
Table 3: Example of relative value of fertilizer elements in 1 ton of broiler litter and breeder hen manure
Table 4: Typical first-year nitrogen availability coefficients for different poultry manures
Table 5: Maximum yearly application rates for broiler litter based on nitrogen application
Table 6: Crop Fertilization Guidelines

Appendix
A-1: Estimating Annual Farm Manure Production
A-2: Poultry Litter Use Record
A-3: Field Record -- Litter Application
A-4: Field Record -- Liquid Manure Application
A-5: Litter/Manure Removal Record
A-6: Crop Nitrogen Requirement Worksheet
A-7: Crop Phosphorus Requirement Worksheet

The value of manure as an organic fertilizer and a source of plant nutrients has been recognized for centuries. Poultry manure fertilizer contains all the essential nutrients required for crop production. Even with its beneficial effects on plant growth, manure constitutes only a small percentage of the nutrients applied to cropland when compared to commercial fertilizer.

There are several reasons why poultry fertilizer is not used to its maximum potential. Among these are (a) lack of information on the value of manure as a source of plant nutrients, (b) failure to recognize how and where to use it, and (c) lack of recognition of its economic value.

This publication provides information presently available for the appropriate application and the most effective use of poultry fertilizer. It will also help poultry producers develop a simple nutrient management plan that meets permitting authority standards.

Quantity of Poultry Fertilizer Generated

Georgia's poultry industry produces large quantities of poultry manure. Georgia's yearly poultry production is estimated at 1.3 billion broilers, 12 million commercial laying hens, 11.8 million broiler breeder hens and12 million replacement pullets. The manure produced by these birds is a valuable by-product, with a potential gross value of over $60 million dollars.

For each pound of feed consumed, a chicken will produce approximately 0.5 pound of fresh manure having a moisture content of about 75 percent. Once voided from the bird, the manure rapidly loses water due to evaporation. The final product typically has a moisture content of 20 to 40 percent, although the final moisture content will also vary depending on type and quantity of bedding, bird concentration, watering equipment and ventilation systems in use.

Estimates of manure production are 2.5 pounds of manure per broiler, 20-30 pounds per commercial layer, 44 pounds per broiler breeder, and 8 pounds per replacement pullet. Manure production can vary substantially with management programs, so on-farm records are the most accurate means of determining manure production for each operation.

Composition of Poultry Fertilizer

Poultry litter from floor-raised birds (broilers, turkeys, broiler breeder pullets) consists primarily of droppings and bedding (usually wood shavings or sawdust). Feathers and waste feed make up the remaining litter components. Poultry manure consisting of only fecal droppings is associated with caged layers and broiler breeders. Liquid manures from some laying hen operations is typically stored in lagoons. Lagoons are biological digesters in which bacteria decompose organic matter into gases, liquids and sludge.

Average plant nutrient content of poultry fertilizer is listed in Tables 1 and 2. Poultry litter and manure vary in both physical and chemical composition. Factors affecting composition include type of birds raised, number of birds per unit area, nutrient density of the feed, type and amount of bedding material, time in use and other management factors. Environmental factors during production and storage and methods of handling after production also influence poultry manure composition. Frequently it is necessary to stockpile poultry litter when producers clean out their facilities. The litter should be placed in a structure that will prevent surface or groundwater contamination. Generally, stockpiled litter will go through some degree of composting. As a result, the level of certain plant nutrients, especially nitrogen, will change.

Based on the average plant nutrient levels, a ton of poultry litter has an estimated value of $41.00 (Table 3). A 20,000 bird broiler house will produce approximately 150 tons of litter per year (6 flocks) with a potential gross value of $6,150. A flock of 14,000 breeder hens will produce approximately 150 tons of manure (50 percent dry weight basis) in one year with a potential gross value of $4,300.

The cost of transporting poultry litter can vary. Litter removed from a broiler house is usually very bulky (67 cubic feet per ton), increasing its transportation cost per pound of nutrient. The cost of transporting a ton of broiler litter ranges from $8 to $14 per ton. The average delivered cost per ton of broiler litter by commercial operators is $20. Thus, poultry litter can provide an economic benefit for many growers if effectively marketed.

Application of Poultry Fertilizer

The nutrient quality of broiler litter has been improved by the housing of multiple flocks prior to clean-out. It is now customary to produce four to six flocks per year followed by an annual clean-out of the house.

To maximize the nutritive value of litter, incorporate poultry fertilizer into the soil immediately after spreading. Research shows, however, that 40 to 70 percent of the total nitrogen is available during the first six weeks, depending upon the nitrogen content of the fertilizer and the form in which it is present. The remaining nitrogen will be released very slowly during the process of decomposition of the organic residues. This release may require more than one growing season. The nutrient availability of poultry manures during the first year of application is listed in Table 4. For optimum utilization, use poultry fertilizer to meet as much of the phosphorus and nitrogen needs of the crops as possible. Use commercial fertilizer to furnish other nutrients to the levels needed as indicated by soil tests.

Phosphorus is predominantly in organic form in chicken manure. This element becomes available much more slowly than nitrogen, being directly related to the rate at which the manure decomposes and its binding qualities within in the soil.

Potassium in chicken manure is present as an inorganic salt in the excretions from the kidneys and in the living and dead cellular material in the feces. All forms of potassium in manure are readily available to plants in most cases but may be rapidly lost by leaching.

Many other elements are present in chicken manure in small quantities (Table 2). Little is known concerning the rate of release of these elements, but essentially all become available in the course of decomposition. Currently, these elements are not thought to have significant effects on either plant fertility or environmental factors.

In addition to being an excellent source of plant nutrients, poultry fertilizer can increase the water infiltration rates of soils by improving the soil structure. On a short-term basis, poultry fertilizer can also increase the soil organic matter content.

Covered storage to enhance litter value and nutrient retention.

Poultry fertilizer can be successfully used on many crops. General rates and timing of applications are listed in Table 5. A successful utilization program includes the following:

• Obtaining soil tests for application fields.
• Calculating crop nutrient requirements.
• Obtaining manure nutrient analysis.
• Ensuring proper storage and application rates.

To prevent excessive application of poultry fertilizer and the potential contamination of surface and ground water, prepare a nutrient budget worksheet for each field or crop (see Appendix for sample budget worksheet). You can contact your county extension agent for assistance in generating site-specific field budgets. The figures given in Tables 1 and 2 are average values for nutrient content of manures. As indicated previously, the actual nutrient profile of a particular manure sample may vary greatly from the averages. Therefore, having your manure analyzed for its true plant nutrient content is recommended. Armed with this information and coupled with appropriate soil tests, you and your county agent can decide on the best plan of action to use poultry fertilizer for your individual cropping needs.

Buffer development to prevent nutrient runoff.

Record Keeping

Keeping accurate records of all your poultry and commercial fertilizer uses and off-site transfers is an essential component of a working nutrient management plan. On-farm field applications and off-site transfers of manure should be recorded when these activities occur. Such records can help to validate your use of appropriate BMPs (Best Management Practices) and environmental stewardship practices on the farm should the environmental impact of your farm ever be called into question.

References

Soil Facts: Poultry Manure as a Fertilizer Source. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Poultry Waste Management and Environmental Protection Manual. Alabama Cooperative Extension Service.

Vest, L., M. Merka, and W. Segars, 1998. Poultry Waste: Georgia's 50 Million Dollar Forgotten Crop. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Leaflet #206.

Appendix

• A-1: Estimating Annual Farm Manure Production
• A-2: Poultry Litter Utilization Record
• A-3: Field Record -- Litter Application
• A-4: Field Record -- Liquid Manure Application
• A-5: Litter/Manure Removal Record
• A-6: Crop Nitrogen Requirement Worksheet
• A-7: Crop Phosphorus Requirement Worksheet

Estimating Annual Farm Manure Production -- A-1

Poultry Litter Utilization Record -- A-2

Field Record -- Litter Application -- A-3

Field Record -- Liquid Manure Application -- A-4

¹ SI = soil incorporated (plowed, disced); BR = broadcast (surface applied); IR=irrigated

Litter/Manure Removal Record -- A-5

Bulletin 1245/March, 2004

The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension Service, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Organization Committed to a Diverse Work Force

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

Gale A. Buchanan, Dean and Director