Ever wondered just how much chicken poop your fields can handle? You’re not alone! As a farmer who’s been experimenting with alternative fertilizers, I’ve spent years figuring out the optimal application rates for chicken litter. Let me share what I’ve learned about this smelly but valuable resource.
What’s the Magic Number?
Based on my research and experiences from other farmers, 2-4 tons of chicken litter per acre is generally the recommended rate for most field crops. However, this can vary significantly depending on:
- Your soil condition
- The crop you’re growing
- The nutrient content of your specific litter
- Local regulations
Understanding Chicken Litter’s Nutrient Profile
Chicken litter isn’t just any old manure – it’s a nutrient powerhouse! Typically, broiler litter contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Average Content |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | 3% |
| Phosphorus (P) | 3% |
| Potassium (K) | 2% |
This means a 2-ton application would provide roughly
- 120 pounds of nitrogen
- 120 pounds of phosphorus
- 80 pounds of potassium
But here’s the catch – not all of this is immediately available to your crops. Only about 50-60% of the nitrogen becomes available during the first growing season with the remainder benefiting subsequent crops.
Real Farmers, Real Results
Many farmers on agricultural forums have shared their experiences with chicken litter application. One Virginia farmer was considering chicken litter instead of commercial 10-20-20 fertilizer and found that:
- Chicken litter at $38/ton delivered provided excellent value
- 2 tons per acre provided approximately 120-120-80 NPK
- Compared to 400 pounds of 10-20-20 granular (40-80-80 NPK) at $76
Another farmer from the Indianapolis area applied litter for the first time and noticed something interesting – while the overall yield wasn’t dramatically higher, the field showed much more uniform yields on the monitor. The normally low-yielding areas performed much better with chicken litter.
Application Timing Matters!
According to USDA research, spring application is optimal for southern states, contrary to common practice. Their studies showed:
- Spring application increased yields by 12.8-16.7% compared to fall application
- While litter produced less corn than commercial fertilizer in year one, it outperformed in years two and three
- The residual nitrogen from litter stays in soil longer, benefiting subsequent crops
Practical Application Tips
If you’re new to using chicken litter here are some practical considerations
1. Testing is Critical
Get your litter tested! The actual nutrient content can vary dramatically depending on:
- Type of birds (broilers vs. layers)
- Bedding material used
- How the litter was stored
- Moisture content
2. Application Methods
Most farmers recommend:
- 30-foot passes with a specialized spreader
- Immediate incorporation if possible (reduces smell and nitrogen loss)
- For no-till operations, expect more odor issues but still excellent results
3. The Smell Factor
Let’s be honest – it STINKS! Be prepared for:
- Complaints from neighbors
- A smell that can last 1-2 weeks depending on weather
- Possible issues near schools or residential areas
One farmer shared that his local school had to send students home for the day when chicken litter was applied to nearby FFA fields!
4. Comparing Litter Types
Not all chicken litter is created equal:
- Broiler litter tends to be drier and less smelly
- Layer litter is usually wetter with stronger odor
- Avoid litter with high sawdust content, as it can temporarily tie up nitrogen
Crop-Specific Recommendations
Different crops have different needs when it comes to chicken litter application:
For Corn
- 2-3 tons per acre is typical
- Many farmers supplement with additional nitrogen at knee-high stage
- Consider soil incorporation to maximize nitrogen availability
For Soybeans
- 2 tons per acre works well
- May create taller beans prone to lodging, so choose varieties carefully
- Has shown yield increases of 5-15 bushels per acre, especially on poorer ground
For Building Soil Fertility
- Some farmers apply 3 tons per acre, then wait 3-4 years before reapplying
- Best for sandy soils that need organic matter
- Creates long-term benefits beyond the NPK value
Economic Considerations
The economics often make chicken litter appealing:
- One farmer calculated that the NPK value in one ton of his litter would cost $67 in commercial fertilizer
- At $20-30 per ton delivered and spread, that’s significant savings
- Don’t forget to factor in the micronutrients like zinc and copper
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen plenty of farmers make these errors:
- Overestimating nitrogen value – Remember only 50-60% is available first year
- Poor distribution – Make narrower passes (25-30 ft) for even coverage
- Applying too close to sensitive areas – Be conscious of neighbors and waterways
- Not accounting for equipment limitations – Standard lime/fertilizer spreaders often can’t handle non-pelleted litter
Final Thoughts
Chicken litter can be an amazing resource when used correctly. The general consensus among farmers is that 2-4 tons per acre provides good results for most field crops, with 2-3 tons being the sweet spot for corn production.
While it does have some drawbacks (mainly the smell and application challenges), the economic benefits and soil-building properties make it worth considering. Just remember that building fertility with manure and maintaining it with commercial fertilizers is often the best approach for long-term soil health.
Have you tried using chicken litter on your farm? What application rates worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
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. It is always a good idea to take a sample and test the litter for nutrients prior to cleaning out a poultry house. 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.
Switch To Chicken Litter Saves On Commercial Fertilizer – Bear Creek Farms, Albemarle, N.C.
FAQ
How much does chicken litter cost?
The answer depends on logistics and your soil needs. In his region, Griggs said litter costs $27 to $37 per ton. Then, it costs around $16 per ton to haul it, plus $8 to $12 per ton to spread it. That comes to a total of $51 to $65 per ton of chicken litter. Related: How to access all-inclusive fertilizer recommendations
How much litter does a broiler produce a year?
For every 1,000 broilers, 7.2 tons of litter is produced annually from whole-house cleanout. For a 50,000-bird growout operation, the producer would need to acquire enough acreage to apply 360 tons per year.
How much is 3 tons of broiler litter worth?
Three tons of broiler litter per acre (which would deliver approximately 150 lbs N) purchased for $30, supplies the same nutrients (N-P-K) in an equivalent commercial fertilizer application costing $179 – a $149 per acre savings. Based on litter nutrients alone, that same 3 tons purchased for $30 has an approximate nutrient value of $142.
How much nitrogen does litter provide per acre?
If a producer applies 1 ton of litter per acre using a broadcast spinner spreader, the litter will provide 28.9 pounds of plant available nitrogen per acre for the receiving crop. NCDA&CS’s Agronomic Division includes the plant available nutrients for the first crop on its waste report.
How much P & K is available in poultry litter?
Few studies have been done on P and K availability in poultry litter; however, availability is considered to be about 80-100 % of P and K available in commercial fertilizer. In general, 90% availability is assumed when determining an application rate based on P. Land application rates should be based on the nutrient requirement of the crop.
How much fertilizer do you need for chicken litter?
To compare the cost of chicken litter to commercial fertilizer, Griggs calculated what it would take to get the 45-45-45-10 base ratio with synthetic fertilizer. He said it would require 41 pounds of urea, 94 pounds of diammonium phosphate, 75 pounds of potash, and 42 pounds of ammonium sulfate.
How many tons per acre of chicken litter?
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 litter better than commercial fertilizer?
Poultry litter does not contain weed seeds, and using litter does not lead to more weeds in forages. After two years, the pH of the soils was about 0.2 higher for the litter treatments than the commercial fertilizer treatments.Aug 6, 2024
Can you put too much chicken manure in soil?
Manure is a high nitrogen (low carbon) source. The problem with too much manure would be the proliferation of bacterial growth (so fast that the aerobic bacteria will out-consume the oxygen infiltration into the pile, causing it to go anaerobic. )
Is chicken litter good for corn?
Yes, chicken manure is excellent for corn because corn is a heavy nitrogen feeder, and chicken manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, to prevent “burning” the plants, do not use fresh, uncomposted manure directly on young plants. Instead, amend the soil before planting, or use aged/composted manure, applying it in furrows away from the roots, and always water thoroughly afterward to help nutrients penetrate the soil.