FAQ

---

Can chicken litter be used as fertiliser for broadacre grain crops?

Increasing costs of fertilisers has many broadacre cropping farmers considering alternative nutrient sources to apply to crops. Phosphorus-based fertiliser prices have been particularly volatile and expensive in recent years.
Spent litter associated with broiler chicken production has gained attention from grain farmers in districts with chicken farms close at hand. It contains a variety of plant nutrients and is commonly used overseas as a source of crop nutrients. Until recently, little information existed on its use in Australian farming systems.
>> Chicken Litter as Fertiliser for Broadacre Grain Crops (page 2-3)

What is the analysis of the manure?

Chicken litter contains useful amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium as well as trace elements zinc, manganese and copper. Nutrient contents can vary considerably between sources and batches.

Typical Analysis - Organic Carbon 29%  N 3.92%  P 1.50%  K 2.73%  Calcium 2.64% and other minor elements.

>> Chicken Litter as Fertiliser for Broadacre Grain Crops (page 2-3)
>> Fresh Straw Based Manure Analysis Breakdown
>> Composted Poultry Manure Analysis Breakdown
>> Fresh Shavings Based Manure Analysis Breakdown
>> Compost Hazard Warning Notice

At what rate do I apply the manure?

Suggested broad acre spreading rates would typically be 2.5 tonne/ha, however this will depend on your build vs maintain nutritional strategy.
>> Chicken Litter as Fertiliser for Broadacre Grain Crops (page 4-5)

Will Chicken litter improve poor soils (eg. sand hills)?

Existing customers have reported improvement to soils.
>> Chicken Litter as Fertiliser for Broadacre Grain Crops (page 8-11)

What effect does spading chicken manure have on crops?

Virtually a doubling of yield outcome was found from trial sites at Karoonda and Waikerie.
>> View Report - Extracts from Spreading Chicken Manure Seeps Trial