The Ultimate Guide to Applying Chicken Litter on Hay Fields: How Much Per Acre?

Are you wondering how much chicken litter to spread on your hay fields? You’re not alone! As a hay producer myself, I’ve spent years figuring out the perfect balance for maximum yields without wasting money or harming the environment

Chicken litter is an excellent, low-cost fertilizer option that can significantly boost your hay production when used correctly. But applying too little won’t give you the nutrients your crop needs, while too much can cause environmental problems and waste your resources.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down exactly how much chicken litter you should apply per acre for optimal hay production, based on research from agricultural extension services and my own experience.

What Exactly is Poultry Litter?

Before diving into application rates, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. Poultry litter is a mixture of:

• Manure from chickens or other poultry
• Bedding material (usually wood shavings, sawdust, or rice hulls)
• Feathers
• Spilled feed

This combination creates a nutrient-rich fertilizer that’s much like a complete fertilizer containing primary, secondary, and micronutrients.

The Nutrient Content of Chicken Litter

Chicken litter typically contains

It also contains micronutrients like manganese, copper, and zinc.

The actual nutrient content varies depending on:

• Type of birds (broilers vs. layers)
• Bird diet
• Number of growouts before cleanout
• Feed efficiency
• Storage and handling methods

This is why getting your litter tested before application is super important!

So, How Much Chicken Litter Per Acre for Hay?

The short answer: For most grass hay crops, application rates range from 1 to 6 tons per acre, depending on several factors.

But that’s oversimplifying things. The ideal application rate depends on:

1. Soil test results
2. Hay crop type
3. Nutrient content of your specific litter
4. Management approach (pasture vs. hayfield)

Calculating the Right Application Rate

Let me walk you through how to calculate this:

1. Determine your hay crop’s nitrogen needs

   • Most grass hay crops need between 50-100 lbs of nitrogen per acre
   • Hybrid bermudagrass hay may need 200-400 lbs nitrogen/acre
   • Common bermudagrass or bahiagrass typically needs 75-175 lbs/acre
   • Fescue/orchardgrass hay needs about 100 lbs/acre

2. Test your chicken litter for nutrient content

   • Typical broiler litter contains about 60-63 lbs of nitrogen per ton
   • Remember that not all this nitrogen is available immediately!

3. Calculate application rate based on nitrogen availability

   • Only about 50-60% of nitrogen in chicken litter is available in the first year
   • If incorporated into soil quickly, availability is higher (60%)
   • If surface applied, availability is lower (50%)

Example Calculation:

Let’s say you need 80 lbs of nitrogen per acre for your hay crop, and your chicken litter contains 3% nitrogen (60 lbs/ton):

80 lbs needed ÷ (60 lbs/ton × 0.5 availability) = 2.67 tons per acre

So you’d need approximately 2.7 tons of chicken litter per acre to meet your nitrogen needs.

Recommended Application Rates for Different Hay Types

Based on research from University of Georgia and Oklahoma State University, here are the typical application rates:

Hybrid Bermudagrass

• Hay production: 3 to 6 tons/acre (providing 200-400 lbs nitrogen)
• Pasture: 3 to 5 tons/acre (providing 150-250 lbs nitrogen)

Common Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, or Dallisgrass

• Hay production: 2 to 3 tons/acre
• Pasture: 1 to 3 tons/acre (providing 75-175 lbs nitrogen)

Fescue/Orchardgrass

• Hay production: 3 tons/acre (providing 100 lbs nitrogen)
• Pasture: 1 to 3 tons/acre (providing 50-100 lbs nitrogen)

Fescue/Clover mix (with <20-25% clover)

• Pasture: 1 ton/acre (providing 50 lbs nitrogen)

When to Apply Chicken Litter to Hay Fields

Timing is crucial! For best results:

• Spring application is generally best for warm season grasses, providing starter nutrients and releasing nitrogen throughout the growing season
• Early fall application works well for cool season grasses
• Winter application is least desirable (nutrients may be lost before the growing season)
• Split applications are recommended for higher rates (half in early spring, half in mid-summer)

I’ve found that applying litter about 2-3 weeks before expected growth gives the best results in my fields.

The Benefits of Using Chicken Litter on Hay Fields

There are some real advantages to using chicken litter compared to commercial fertilizers:

1. Improved forage quality: Research shows higher protein content in bermudagrass fertilized with chicken litter
2. Increased yields: Studies in southeastern Oklahoma showed bermudagrass yields of 4.82 tons/acre with 4 tons/acre of poultry litter, compared to 3.44 tons/acre with commercial nitrogen
3. Slow-release nitrogen: Provides nutrients throughout the growing season
4. Improved soil quality: Adds organic matter to soil
5. Reduced soil acidity: Contains calcium carbonate that acts as a dilute liming material

Potential Issues to Watch For

While chicken litter is fantastic, there are some things to be careful about:

1. Phosphorus Buildup

Chicken litter contains almost equal amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, but grasses need 3-4 times more nitrogen than phosphorus. This means phosphorus can quickly accumulate in soil with regular applications.

Soil test annually to monitor phosphorus levels! If levels get too high, alternate between chicken litter and commercial nitrogen fertilizer.

2. Weed Issues

Many farmers notice increased weeds after applying chicken litter. This isn’t because of weed seeds in the litter, but because nutrients are available over a longer period, which can benefit weed species.

3. Forage Composition Changes

Chicken litter can reduce the amount of clovers in mixed clover/fescue stands. This might be important if you’re managing fescue toxicosis by dilution with clovers.

4. Nitrate Accumulation

Applying litter above recommended rates can increase nitrate concentration in forages, especially during drought or cool weather.

Environmental Considerations

Let’s be honest – we need to be good stewards of our land. Here are some environmental considerations:

• Runoff concerns: Don’t apply before heavy rain events
• Phosphorus management: Follow a nutrient management plan
• Buffer zones: Maintain buffers near water bodies
• Application timing: Apply when crops can utilize nutrients

My Personal Experience

I’ve been using chicken litter on my hay fields for over 10 years now, and I’ve found that about 2-3 tons per acre works great for my bermudagrass hay. I usually apply in early spring and sometimes do a second application of 1 ton/acre in mid-summer after my second cutting.

My soil tests show I need to skip a year of litter application every 3-4 years to prevent phosphorus buildup, so I use commercial nitrogen those years instead.

The increased yield and quality has definitely made the switch worthwhile, and my costs are about 30% lower than when I was using only commercial fertilizer.

FAQ About Chicken Litter Application on Hay Fields

Q: Can chicken litter replace all other fertilizers for hay production?
A: Not always. While it provides many nutrients, you may still need supplemental fertilizers based on soil test results.

Q: How often should chicken litter be applied?
A: Typically every 1-2 years is sufficient, depending on your soil test results.

Q: Is chicken litter suitable for organic hay production?
A: Yes, but it must be sourced from organic poultry operations and meet organic certification standards.

Q: Does chicken litter improve soil structure?
A: Absolutely! It increases organic matter content and promotes beneficial microbial activity.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect application rate for chicken litter on your hay fields might take some experimentation, but starting with soil tests and following the guidelines above will get you close.

Remember that soil testing is crucial! Don’t guess – test your soil and your litter to make informed decisions.

Have you used chicken litter on your hay fields? What application rate worked best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Happy farming!

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Disclaimer: This article is based on research from agricultural extension services and personal experience. Always follow local regulations regarding poultry litter application and consult with your local extension office for site-specific recommendations.