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Higher
fertilizer costs have made many farmers and others change proven fertility
practices used for many, many years. Is poultry litter the answer to
higher fertilizer prices?
Livestock
farmers have used manure as part of their fertility program for
generations…PART being the key word. As an addition or as a supplemental
part to sound fertility practice, manure and, in this case, chicken litter
have helped the farmer. There are many "ifs" when using chicken
litter.
The
biggest "if" comes from the rate of application along with the
final analysis of the litter. So many people think a little bit is good
and a lot is much better. With manure, and especially chicken litter, the
rate is critical. Knowing the final analysis of the litter applied is also
very important.
The
next "if" is, can you apply the litter evenly? Below is an
article written by Chris Welsh, our agronomist, in 2001. Chris points out
the problems resulting from too much litter and hot spots caused by uneven
application, especially as the nitrogen finally becomes available. He
points out the problems with phosphates and the concerns we all should
consider.
That
brings us to the next "if." If the litter becomes available,
will it be in time for this year’s crop. This is why using manure as a
supplement is so good, because you do not count on it this year for your
fertility, but as a soil builder.
Poultry
Litter
(Reprinted 2001 AFC Farming News)
by Chris Welsh, AFC agronomist
As
the cost of nitrogen fertilizers rises more people are considering their
alternatives. One of these options is poultry litter. While poultry litter is
an inexpensive source of nutrients and organic matter, it is important to
consider the potential problems with its use as well.
The
first consideration is the level of phosphorus (P) in litter. Alabama has
developed a Phosphorus Index that provides a guideline to the amount of
phosphorus fertilizer that can be applied to a field. This index was
established to try to lessen the possibility of non-point source pollution of
surface waters from over application of manures and fertilizer.
Factors
affecting the P Index include soil test for phosphorus levels, application
rate of P and how it is applied, as well as field characteristics affecting
erosion and possibility of stream or river contamination from field water
runoff. Bottom line is that if the P index for a field is extremely high, no
more phosphorus may be applied. Therefore, it is important to carefully watch
soil test levels and know how much P is being applied in order to prevent
excessive buildup of phosphorus. Because of the ratio of nutrients in poultry
litter, its continued use to provide nitrogen to a crop can result in a
buildup of P that could prevent its future use.
It
is also important to consider that the form of nutrients in poultry litter may
not be readily available to plants. Soil organisms must mineralize organic
nitrogen before plants can use it. This can result in some degree of
unpredictability of nitrogen availability. Care should be taken with cotton
since high nitrogen levels late in the season can become a problem at harvest
time.
It
is also important to understand that overuse of poultry litter may also result
in buildup of other nutrients, including metals like zinc. This can be
especially important to peanut growers since peanuts are sensitive to zinc
toxicity.
Finally,
be aware that uneven distribution of nutrients can be costly to a crop.
Physical properties of litter make it difficult to spread as evenly as
commercial fertilizers.
As
we enter another growing season, it is important to take time to carefully
consider all options and not just their cost, but also their value.
I
would like to point out my history with chicken litter over 46 years in the
crop nutrient business. I had the opportunity to work with several large
laying operations after they applied high rates of litter on their own farms
and reduced yields to 60 - 65 Bu corn and 15 to 20 Bu soybeans when their
neighbors were producing 130-150 Bu corn and 35-50 Bu soybeans. Correcting
this problem was not only difficult, but time consuming. Too much was bad and
the high rates caused hot spots all over the farms.
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