One of the biggest differences between chicken manure and turkey manure is wood chip bedding material. Wood chips, often found in turkey barns, absorb a percentage of what would’ve been available nitrogen, while chicken manure does not.
The presence of bedding material in turkey litter can pose challenges for getting an OMRI listing, which adds another layer of complexity for it’s use on the organic farm.
One of the main differences between our chicken manure pellets and turkey manure is the form in which it arrives. When you order chicken manure pellets, you’re getting a product that’s low on smell, and easier to handle than raw manure.
Turkey manure is not currently offered in a pelleted form, due to the bedding material that is mixed in with the actual turkey manure itself. Of course, this means that the spreader you’ll use to spread turkey manure may be different than the one you would use to spread chicken manure pellets.
Turkey poop, also known as turkey manure or turkey litter, is a popular organic fertilizer for gardens and farms But is turkey poop actually a good fertilizer? Like any animal waste product, it has both benefits and potential downsides In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using turkey droppings as fertilizer to help you decide if it’s right for your garden.
The Benefits of Using Turkey Poop as Fertilizer
There are several compelling reasons why turkey manure makes an excellent fertilizer
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Rich nutrient profile – Turkey poop contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients vital for plant growth and soil fertility. The high nitrogen in particular makes it very valuable as a fertilizer.
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Increases soil organic matter – As an organic substance, turkey manure contributes to the organic matter content in soil. This can improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability over time.
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Reduces chemical fertilizer needs – Applying turkey litter can reduce the need for synthetic chemical fertilizers. It provides a natural, organic source of fertility.
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Reuses a waste product – Rather than disposing of turkey droppings, using it as fertilizer turns waste into a useful resource. This supports sustainability and circular economy principles.
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Low cost – Sourcing turkey poop for fertilizer is often inexpensive or even free in rural areas. This makes it an affordable soil amendment.
How to Use Turkey Poop as Fertilizer
While turkey manure holds potential as fertilizer, proper handling is important:
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Compost first – Raw turkey manure can burn plants due to its high nitrogen. Allowing it to fully compost first reduces this risk.
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Avoid overapplication – Too much poop can lead to excessive nutrient buildup. Follow recommended application rates.
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Let it age before spreading – Fresh turkey litter may contain pathogens. Letting it age for 6+ months helps reduce this risk.
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Wear protective gear – Direct contact with turkey feces can pose health risks. Use gloves, long sleeves, and a mask when handling.
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Incorporate into soil – Lightly till turkey manure into the soil rather than leaving it in clumps on the surface. This prevents nitrogen loss and promotes nutrient absorption.
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Test soil first – Check soil nutrient levels before applying to avoid skewing the balance or overloading certain nutrients.
Following best practices like these makes using turkey manure as fertilizer safe and effective. Monitor plants and soil and adjust application rates accordingly.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Turkey Poop
Despite the benefits, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind:
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Odor – Turkey litter can give off an unpleasant ammonia smell, especially when fresh. Composting helps reduce odor.
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Pathogens – Salmonella, E. coli, and other pathogens may reside in untreated turkey feces. Proper composting is key.
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Weed seeds – Undigested seeds in turkey manure can lead to weed growth when applied raw.
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High salt content – Excess salts from turkey diets concentrate in their manure. Overapplying can harm plants.
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Nutrient imbalance – The NPK ratio in turkey litter may not match crop needs, skewing soil fertility.
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Parasites – Intestinal worms in raw turkey droppings can infect plants. Again, composting helps avoid this.
With responsible management, these potential risks can be mitigated when using turkey manure as fertilizer.
The Bottom Line: Is Turkey Poop Good Fertilizer?
Overall, turkey manure can be an excellent organic fertilizer, providing a natural nutrient boost that enhances soil health and crop yields. However, proper composting and application is crucial to avoid problems like odors, pathogens, weeds, and nutrient imbalances. As long as best practices are followed, turkey droppings offer a sustainable way to fertilize gardens and farms while supporting circular economy principles. The key is managing turkey manure carefully and applying it in moderation. With some effort and care, this unconventional soil amendment can be a game-changer for your garden!
Raw Chicken Manure vs Raw Turkey Manure
The biggest difference in raw chicken manure and raw turkey manure is in the form of the product. Turkey manure most often contains bedding material of various types, whereas raw chicken manure if from layer barns, does not.
Chicken Manure Pellets vs. Raw Turkey Manure (almost double the N)
Turkey manure comes in a raw form, while the product we offer comes in a condensed, pelletized form. The pelleting process gives our product almost *double the amount of nitrogen per ton. In the University of Wisconsin study we’re referring to, Turkey manure offered 40 lbs. of Nitrogen per ton, while our pellets typically range from 80-100 lbs. of Nitrogen per ton.
Study performed by University of Wisconsin, here.
With chicken manure pellets, you’ll get second year fertility credit (first year availability is anywhere from 60-70%). We highly recommend you work with an agronomist to determine specific nutrient requirements.
Why we use turkey compost.
FAQ
Is turkey poop good for fertilizer?
Used properly, turkey dung is an incredibly valuable natural fertilizer. It’s an amazing source of phosphorus and nitrogen, both of which are key nutrients for plants. In fact, turkeys outperform every other form of livestock in this regard.
What animal poop is the best fertilizer?
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High nitrogen content:Chicken, rabbit, and goat manure are considered “hot” manures with high nitrogen levels, ideal for leafy green vegetables.
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Moderate nutrient content:Cow, horse, and sheep manure are considered “cold” manures with lower nitrogen levels, good for soil conditioning and plants that don’t need as much nitrogen.
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Important considerations:
- Composting: Always compost animal manure before using it to reduce potential pathogens.
- Application rate: Be mindful of the recommended application rate based on the type of manure and your plants’ needs.
- Diet of the animal: An animal’s diet significantly affects the nutrient content of their manure.
- Composting: Always compost animal manure before using it to reduce potential pathogens.
Is turkey manure better than chicken manure?
Turkey Manure for Organic Farmers. One of the biggest differences between chicken manure and turkey manure is wood chip bedding material. Wood chips, often found in turkey barns, absorb a percentage of what would’ve been available nitrogen, while chicken manure does not.
Why is manure not as good as fertilizer?
These types of materials are very rich in carbon, but not nitrogen. The material needs nitrogen to decompose properly, and can even start drawing it from the surroundings to complete the process. This means that you basically don’t gain anything from using fresh manure as fertilizer.
Can you fertilize plants with turkey manure?
Unlike straight cow manure and some other manures, if you fertilize plants with turkey manure, you run the risk of burning tender new seedlings. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to get around this problem. The simplest way to make turkey litter safer for your garden plants is to add it to your compost pile.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Does turkey manure make good compost?
The high nitrogen content in the turkey manure means that it will break down the compost components quicker than other composting ingredients, giving you a rich source of garden soil in a short amount of time. Once the turkey litter is mixed in with the other compost elements, it will enhance the mix without being overly nitrogen-rich.
Can You compost Turkey droppings?
Most likely, it will be available as “litter,” mixed in with sawdust, straw, feed and other components to be swept or shoveled off the coop floor (wear a mask). No matter how your turkey droppings come, you’ll want to compost the manure before using it in gardens.
Is turkey litter safe for garden plants?
The simplest way to make turkey litter safer for your garden plants is to add it to your compost pile. The high nitrogen content in the turkey manure means that it will break down the compost components quicker than other composting ingredients, giving you a rich source of garden soil in a short amount of time.
Is poultry litter a good fertilizer?
Poultry litter is an excellent, low cost fertilizer if used properly. Land application of litter returns nutrients and organic matter to the soil, building soil fertility and quality. In addition to the macronutrients, N, P and K, poultry manure contains calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and micronutrients.