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 nutrient content of chicken litter varies substantially depending on the poultry type, diet number of flocks etc. A lab analysis provides the precise nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents to use when calculating application rates.
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. 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.
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?
… Poultry litter is generally not recommended for use in fields that horses will be grazing or used for making horse hay because of the increased risk for …Jan 14, 2018
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 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. )