Aged Chicken Manure

Chicken manure is an excellent non-chemical plant fertilizer and soil amendment, but if applied "raw," the nitrogen content will harm your plants rather than nourishing them. When allowed to age for 6-12 months, the manure dries out and transforms, giving an amazing plant growth punch. Aged chicken manure contains high nitrogen levels as well as a balance of other nutrients, such as potassium and phosphorous. It will also increase your soil's water-holding capacity and the number of beneficial microorganisms. Chicken manure has the most potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen out of all animal manures, making it highly desirable. Nutrient analysis averages around 4% Nitrogen, 2% phosphorous, and 1% potassium in dried and pelleted chicken manure. It is one of the best natural, non-synthetic plant fertilizers available.

Since one chicken can produce up to 11 pounds of manure each month, it's a good thing we can do something with it! Sustainable gardening and agriculture truly give back to the earth as much as we benefit from it. The ideal application of aged poultry manure is about 45 pounds or more per 100 square feet each year. For smaller gardens, the numbers are closer to 3-4.5 ounces per square yard, depending on the crop. Particularly "hungry" crops may require two 3-ounce doses per square yard a month apart. The nitrogen content will help produce leafy green growth, while phosphorous benefits the roots and flowers, while potassium helps plants tolerate stress and develop good roots.

This non-chemical option is great for flowers as well as vegetables. Just spread it on top of the soil or work it in to start the magic. Vegetables especially love the extra nitrogen, as do other nitrogen-loving crops like blackcurrants and plum trees. Using aged chicken manure ensures that there are no harmful pathogens or chances of burning your plants.