Nutrient Analysis of Chicken Manure

Chickens provide meat, eggs and manure.

Poultry manure is a great fertilizer if used correctly. A nutrient analysis reveals the amount of each substance in the manure. Using the analysis information, the correct application rate can be determined. Poultry manure can be used in the garden with proper techniques. It commonly provides nutrients to large-scale farms. The analysis varies based on several factors. Feed and species of chicken greatly affect the manure. The type of bird is also reflected in the manure. Broilers for meat and breeders for chick production are fed different feed and have different manure qualities.

Nitrogen

Fresh chicken manure is .013% nitrogen. This is manure that is not mixed with litter and not stored for any amount of time. Typically manure is mixed with wood shavings and is only collected annually from chicken houses. The litter collected from houses where broilers were raised is much higher at .036%. Litter from breeder houses is .016%. These differences reflect the feed given to each bird type.When using chicken manure as a fertilizer, it is important to consider the needs of the plant. Nitrogen is required for all plant functions. Growth and development require this element. It also makes up a large part of chlorophyll molecules, so photosynthesis cannot occur without it.

Phosphorus

Only a small amount of phosphorus resides in fresh chicken manure, about .0085%. When litter is mixed in, that amount increases substantially. Breeder house manure and shavings deliver .027% phosphorus. Broiler droppings have even more at .039% when mixed with litter. Phosphorus controls many plant functions, including energy storage and genetic transmission. Seed and fruit development fail when plants receive too little of this substance.

Potassium

Breeder and broiler house litter contain .016% and .023% potassium, respectively. Fresh manure only provides .006%. Potassium represents a crucial part of any fertilizer. It controls the water flow into and out of a plant through the small openings in the leaves called stomates. Potassium can also boost production and size of seeds.

Ammonium

Ammonium plays a major role in the use of chicken manure. It is toxic to animals and people when inhaled and will "burn" plants. To avoid damage, chicken manure must be composted before it is applied to any garden or flower bed. Composting allows the ammonium to break down into non-harmful materials. This substance can even be added to other compost to speed its breakdown.

Sources

Finding reliable sources of chicken manure can be challenging. Your local extension service will provide information regarding local sources and can help to develop a composting plan if one is required. Since composting can take several months, preparing far in advance of planting time will save a lot of hassle.

References

• North Carolina State University: Poultry Manure as a Fertilizer Source
• University of Hawaii at Manoa: Essential Nutrients for Plant Growth: Nutrient Functions and Deficiency Symptoms
• University of Illinois Extension: Materials for Composting

Resources

• National Institute of Food and Agriculture: Cooperative Extension System Offices