Is Chicken Manure a Safe Hay Fertilizer?

Hay fields are heavy feeders requiring regular applications of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Poultry manures, particularly chicken manures, are an excellent source for all three nutrients. The key to safe and reliable use of chicken manure is analysis.

Manure Analysis

The nutrient content of chicken manure depends on the age and sex of the chicken, the litter where the droppings were deposited and the food the chickens consumed. Take several samples from your chicken house litter and have them tested. For testing labs, contact your county agricultural extension agent.

Soil Analysis

Test your soil before beginning any fertilizer program. Soil tests tell which nutrients your soil needs. Applying too much nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium can be harmful to the environment. It is also a waste of time and money. A well-balanced fertilizer program tailored to your soil's needs is the best way to ensure a successful hay crop.

Considerations

Nutrient requirements for hay fields vary with the type of hay planted. A field planted in a mix of legumes such as clover or alfalfa with orchard grass has different nutrient requirements than a field of orchard grass alone.

Custom Blend

Compare the manure and soil analyses with your hay plants needs. If necessary, add nutrients to the chicken manure before applying it to your hay field. Finally, determine how many tons of chicken manure to apply to each acre of field. Too little fertilizer will result in a poor hay crop; too much may kill the crop.

Application

Review the topography of your field before applying the fertilizer. Start in the area farthest from your barn, and work toward the barn. Sloping areas or areas that drain rainwater quickly may have leached more nutrients and may need more tons per acre than areas that are flat. Areas near a barn where livestock is kept may need lighter applications due to manure runoff from the barn.

References

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Poultry Manure as a Fertilizer Source