Poultry litter is an excellent, low cost fertilizer if used properly. Land application of litter returns nutrients and organic matter to the soil, building soil fertility and quality. In addition to the macronutrients, N, P and K, poultry manure contains calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and micronutrients.
Land application of poultry manure should be managed to recycle plant nutrients rather than for disposal. Increasing environmental concerns about agricultural non-point source pollution make it imperative to use poultry litter in the manner most beneficial for the environment – both on and off the farm. Steps to proper litter management are:
These steps will assure that the proper amount of litter is applied. Avoiding excess litter application minimizes its impact on water quality.
Poultry litter should not be applied to soil beyond the limits of the growing crop’s nutrient needs. This will ensure efficient use of manure nutrients and minimize nutrient leaching or runoff into the surface and ground water systems. Any soils scheduled to receive poultry litter should first be tested to determine fertility level. Periodic soil testing is recommended to monitor the nutrient supplying capability of the soil. Fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results are the only reliable way to determine the crop nutrient requirement.
Soil testing is available through OSU Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory in Stillwater, as well as, a number of commercial laboratories. Crop nutrient needs are given in the interpretations and requirements section of the soil test report. You can also determine crop nutrient needs using Extension Fact Sheet PSS-2225, OSU Soil Test Interpretations. Contact the local extension office for instructions and supplies for taking and submitting soil samples.
Chicken litter a mixture of manure spilled feed, feathers, and bedding material from poultry houses, can be an excellent organic fertilizer for hayfields when applied properly. However, determining the ideal application rate per acre is essential for maximizing hay production while avoiding environmental issues.
What Factors Influence Chicken Litter Application Rates?
There is no universal recommended chicken litter application rate for hay. The optimal amount depends on several factors:
Soil Testing
A soil test reveals your field’s current nutrient levels and pH. This allows you to identify which nutrients are deficient and require fertilization. For example, if phosphorus is already excessive, applying high rates of chicken litter can worsen runoff issues.
Litter Analysis
The amount of nutrients in chicken litter depends a lot on the type of chickens, their diet, the number of flocks, and other factors. A lab test gives you the exact amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to use when figuring out how much to apply.
Hay Crop Needs
Grass hay has lower fertility requirements than legume hay. The yield goal also impacts ideal nutrient rates. Understanding your hay crop’s requirements is key.
Environmental Conditions
Wet or compacted fields are more prone to runoff. Nearby surface waters may need extra protection from excess nutrients through reduced application rates.
Regional Regulations
Many states and counties regulate manure application, including setbacks from water bodies, timing, incorporation, and allowable rates. Follow all local guidelines.
Typical Chicken Litter Application Rates for Hay
Typical application rates for hayfields range from 1 to 3 tons per acre, but can go up to 5-6 tons for high-yielding bermudagrass. Here are some general recommendations by hay type:
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Bermudagrass hay: 3-6 tons/acre
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Grass hay (bahiagrass, etc.): 1-3 tons/acre
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Legume/grass mix hay: 1-2 tons/acre
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Small grain winter grazing: 1-2 tons/acre
Split applications in spring/summer or spring/fall may optimize nutrient availability while minimizing loss.
Best Practices for Chicken Litter Application
To maximize hay production while protecting the environment, follow these best practices:
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Conduct soil tests annually and review litter analysis before each application
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Use calibrated spreaders to ensure uniform coverage
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Incorporate litter into soil after spreading to reduce nitrogen volatilization and runoff
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Follow all regional nutrient management regulations and guidelines
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Avoid applying right before heavy rains that could cause runoff
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Monitor soil phosphorus levels and reduce rates if excessive accumulation occurs
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Alternate chicken litter with commercial fertilizer to balance nutrient ratios
Is Chicken Litter a Good Fertilizer for Hay?
When applied properly, chicken litter provides hayfields with substantial amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients. Its slow nutrient release also gives longer feeding compared to commercial fertilizers. However, poor management of chicken litter can lead to issues like nutrient runoff, imbalance, and weed pressure. Following best practices allows you to utilize this inexpensive organic nutrient source sustainably.
Fertilizer Value of Litter
The nutrient content of poultry litter varies quite a bit. Fertilizer value depends on the type of birds, age of the litter, and litter moisture content. Before you clean out a chicken coop, you should always take a sample and test the litter for nutrients. Use the test results to calculate how much litter to apply to fields.
Litter samples should be representative of the entire house or litter pile in the storage. See OSU Extension Facts PSS-2248, Sampling Animal Manure for Analyses for details of manure sampling. Results are reported as pounds of nutrient per ton on a “dry” and “as is” basis. “As is” means the amount of nutrients per ton at the moisture content when the sample was taken. Normally, “as is” numbers are used for rate calculation. The average moisture content of broiler litter in Oklahoma is 23 percent, and the “as is” N, P2O5 and K2O contents are 63, 61 and 50 lbs/ton, respectively.
Dr. Rishi Prasad – Using Poultry Litter in Pastures and Hayfields
FAQ
How much chicken litter do you need per acre?
A typical litter application is 2 tons per acre. Yet, Griggs has found success in spreading it at a 1. 5 ton per acre rate, and he does not recommend going lower than that. Given his base nutrient analysis of 45-45-45-10, 1. 5 tons per acre application gives him a triple-68, or a 68-68-68-15, N-P-K-S.
Is chicken manure good for hay fields?
Most of the time, poultry litter shouldn’t be used in fields where horses will be grazing or to make horse hay because it increases the risk for
Is chicken litter better than fertilizer?
Soil Health and Structure: Poultry litter improves soil structure and organic matter content, enhancing water retention and aeration. Traditional fertilizers often lack these soil health benefits.
Can you use too much chicken manure?
Manure is a high nitrogen (low carbon) source. The problem with having too much manure is that it will cause bacteria to grow so quickly that the aerobic bacteria will use up all the oxygen in the pile, turning it into an anaerobic state. ).