The Nitrogen Gold Mine: How Much Nitrogen Is Really in Chicken Manure?

Are you looking to give your garden a natural boost? Chicken manure might just be your answer! As a passionate gardener myself I’ve spent years experimenting with different organic fertilizers, and chicken manure consistently stands out as one of the most powerful nitrogen sources available. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of chicken manure’s nitrogen content and how you can harness this “black gold” for your garden.

Understanding Chicken Manure’s Nitrogen Content

Fresh chicken manure typically contains between 05% to 09% nitrogen, which might not sound like much until you compare it with other animal manures. In fact, chicken manure has the highest amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium among all animal manures!

But here’s the thing – the actual nitrogen content in chicken manure can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Chicken diet – Higher protein diets result in more nitrogen-rich manure. Laying hens fed protein-rich diets produce manure with higher nitrogen than broilers.
• Bird age – Mature laying hens produce manure with higher nitrogen levels compared to younger birds like pullets or broilers.
• Manure handling – Nitrogen can easily escape through ammonia volatilization during storage, especially in uncovered piles.
• Moisture level – Wet manure loses more nitrogen than dry manure. That’s why nitrogen content is usually measured on a dry weight basis.
• Bedding material – The amount of bedding or litter mixed in affects nitrogen concentration.

Typical Nitrogen Values by Type

Different types of chicken production systems yield manure with varying nitrogen contents. Here’s what you can typically expect (on a dry weight basis):

Remember that these are just averages If you’re serious about precision in your garden, I’d recommend getting your specific manure tested to know exactly what you’re working with!

Forms of Nitrogen in Chicken Manure

Not all nitrogen in chicken manure is immediately available to your plants. It exists in three main forms:

1. Ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) – This makes up about 5-15% of the total nitrogen and is readily available to plants.
2. Organic-nitrogen – This comprises 50-70% of the total nitrogen and becomes available gradually as soil microbes break it down.
3. Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) – Usually present in low amounts unless the manure has been composted.

How Much Nitrogen Is Actually Available to Plants?

This is where things get really interesting! Your plants can’t use all the nitrogen in chicken manure right away. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically available:

• Ammonium-N: If you incorporate the manure into the soil, 40-60% of this is available. If left on the surface, only 20-40% is available.
• Organic-N: About 50% becomes available during the first growing season after application.
• Nitrate-N: 100% is readily available.

For surface-applied broiler litter, you can expect:

• 15-25 lbs of available NH4-N per ton
• 25-35 lbs of available organic-N per ton

If you incorporate the same broiler litter into the soil, you might get an extra 10 lbs/ton of available NH4-N.

Bagged vs. Fresh Manure: What’s the Difference?

In my experience, there’s a big difference between commercially processed manure and fresh manure from a backyard coop:

Bagged Chicken Manure

• More concentrated (less water)
• Usually sterilized and odor-free
• Often pelletized for easier application
• Ready to use without composting
• May have additional nutrients added

Fresh Chicken Manure

• Contains up to 76% water
• Has a strong odor
• May contain harmful pathogens like E. coli or Salmonella
• High ammonia content can burn plants
• Must be aged or composted before use

How to Age Chicken Manure Properly

If you’ve got access to fresh chicken manure, you’ll need to age it properly before use. I’ve found this process works best:

1. Create a compost pile and turn it weekly to introduce oxygen
2. Keep the pile away from gardens and areas with human traffic
3. Shield it from rain and snow to prevent reintroducing moisture
4. Check after 5-6 weeks – it should be drier, lighter, and less smelly

The composting process should reach temperatures of 140-160°F, which kills harmful pathogens and stabilizes the nutrients for slow release.

When and How to Apply Chicken Manure

The application timing differs depending on whether you’re using bagged or aged manure:

Bagged Manure

You can apply this anytime! I typically fertilize my trees and shrubs in spring, and add it to my flower beds and vegetable gardens throughout the growing season. Always follow the label instructions for amounts.

Aged Manure

Here’s where timing gets critical:

• For trellised crops where fruits don’t touch the soil (tomatoes, beans): apply at least 90 days before harvest
• For crops that contact the soil (root vegetables, strawberries, leafy greens): apply at least 120 days before harvest

A good rule of thumb is to apply about 45 pounds of aged manure per 100 square feet.

Second-Year Benefits: The Gift That Keeps Giving

One of my favorite things about chicken manure is that it provides fertility benefits for multiple years! Unlike synthetic fertilizers that wash away, chicken manure continues to release nutrients as the organic matter breaks down. This residual effect can reduce the need for additional fertilization in the second year, saving you time and money.

Which Plants Love Chicken Manure?

In my garden, I’ve noticed certain plants absolutely thrive with chicken manure:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplants
• Squash
• Melons
• Strawberries
• Cucumbers
• Beans
• Some fruit trees (especially apples)

These nitrogen-loving plants show amazing growth and production when properly fertilized with chicken manure.

Plants That Don’t Like Chicken Manure

Not all plants appreciate chicken manure’s alkaline nature. In my experience, acid-loving plants like:

• Blueberries
• Azaleas
• Rhododendrons

These plants prefer more acidic soil conditions and won’t thrive with chicken manure.

The Potential Downsides of Chicken Manure

While chicken manure is amazing, it’s not without its challenges:

1. Fresh manure can burn plants due to high ammonia content
2. Pathogen risk if not properly aged
3. Odor issues when first applied (particularly with fresh manure)
4. Nutrient runoff concerns – excessive application near waterways can cause pollution
5. Potential antibiotic contamination from conventionally raised chickens (using organic sources is safer)

Environmental Considerations

I’ve become increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of fertilizer use. Water runoff from agricultural land fertilized with chicken manure has been linked to increased pollution levels in waterways, as excess phosphorus can contribute to dead zones in bodies of water like Chesapeake Bay.

Scientists at the University of Maryland suggest using new, corrected formulas to calculate proper quantities of chicken manure for agricultural uses to minimize environmental impact.

In my gardening journey, I’ve found that chicken manure is definitely worth the effort for most garden applications. Its high nitrogen content (0.5-0.9%), combined with significant levels of phosphorus (0.4-0.5%) and potassium (1.2-1.7%), makes it a complete fertilizer that also improves soil structure.

Just remember:

1. Age or compost fresh manure properly
2. Apply at the right time for your crops
3. Use appropriate amounts based on your soil needs
4. Consider your plants’ preferences

With these guidelines in mind, chicken manure can transform your garden into a thriving ecosystem of healthy, productive plants!

Have you tried using chicken manure in your garden? What results did you see? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

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Note: While I’ve done my best to provide accurate information, it’s always a good idea to test your soil and manure to determine the exact nutrient content for your specific situation. Happy gardening!

Yes, chicken manure is high in nitrogen, which makes it a rich fertilizer for plants, but it must be composted or aged first because fresh manure is “hot” and can burn plants and harbor pathogens.

Chicken manure has a variable NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio, with fresh manure containing roughly 0.5-0.9% nitrogen, 0.4-0.5% phosphorus, and 1.2-1.7% potassium, while pelleted or composted forms often have higher, more stable analyses like 4-3-2 or 5-4-2. The NPK content depends on the animal’s diet, age of the manure, and processing methods, such as composting.

Neither chicken nor cow manure is inherently “better”; it depends on the soil’s needs and whether the manure is properly composted, as chicken manure is a “hot” fertilizer higher in nitrogen, while cow manure is a “cold” fertilizer that improves soil structure.