Benefits of Chicken Manure as Organic Fertilizer: Boosting Soil Health and Sustainable Crop Yields

The benefits of chicken manure as organic fertilizer are clearly proven in today’s agricultural practices. What was once considered waste is now regarded as a valuable resource for enriching soil and supporting crop production. This poultry-based fertilizer improves soil fertility, enhances structure, and provides vital nutrients to plants.

Soil is one of the world’s most important natural assets, providing the foundation for food, timber, flowers, and other resources. Plants rely on soil to grow, and fertile soil enables higher yields. Therefore, improving and maintaining soil health is essential for sustainable agriculture.

Plant nutrition is an essential factor for crop production. The Plant uptake nutrients from the soil and gives yield for us. While chemical fertilizers contribute to plant nutrition, they alone cannot fulfill all the requirements. Organic fertilizer also required for growth and development. From this perspective, poultry litter serves as an excellent organic fertilizer to supplement plant nutrition and improve soil quality.

Chicken manure is a high-quality organic fertilizer derived from the waste of poultry and leftover food from poultry farms. When applied to soil, it significantly increases the organic matter content and boosts soil fertility. One of the unique benefits of this natural fertilizer is its ability to neutralize soil acidity due to its high calcium content, eliminating the need for additional lime applications. This, in turn, helps plants absorb nutrients more efficiently and grow better.

There are numerous chicken farms around the world, producing a large amount of poultry waste daily. In 2018, the number of chickens in various countries was as follows:

Countries	Number of chicken (in million)
China, mainland	5,274.48
Indonesia	2,384.15
United States of America	1,973.38
Brazil	1,468.35
Iran (Islamic Republic of)	1,071.61
India	801.09
Mexico	568.37
Pakistan	524.14
Russia	507.05
Turkey	353.56

Source: FAO, January 2020

This data shows the massive potential of this nutrient-rich compost as a sustainable and abundant organic fertilizer.

Organic matter is the life of the soil. In order to keep the soil fertile and productive, the soil must have an adequate amount of organic matter. Ideal agricultural land should contain 3–5% organic matter, but in many regions, soils contain less than 3%. Organic matter not only provides nutrients for crops but also retains those nutrients in the soil over time. It supports microbial activity, increases water-holding capacity, and improves soil aeration. In general, good yields cannot be expected by simply applying chemical fertilizers to the soil without organic matter.

As an organic fertilizer, the waste from chickens is one of the richest sources of vital nutrients for plants. Applying this manure adds a lot of plant nutrients such as:

• Nitrogen (N)
• Phosphorus (P)
• Potassium (K)
• Sulfur (S)
• Zinc (Zn)
• Copper (Cu)

Studies show that applying this type of manure at a rate of 1–1.5 tons per hectare (or 4–6 kg per decimal) can reduce the need for urea by 20–25 kg per hectare. It also eliminates the need for additional TSP fertilizer, while adding other essential nutrients like potassium, sulfur, zinc, and copper to the soil.

Soil acidity can result from various factors, such as:

• Long-term use of only chemical fertilizers
• Intensive cultivation
• Use of hybrid or high-yielding varieties
• Heavy rainfall
• Soil texture and organic matter decomposition

Acidic soil limits nutrient uptake by plants, similar to how human digestion is affected by stomach acidity. Just as humans take antacids, lime is used to neutralize acidic soil. This organic fertilizer contains a lot of calcium or lime, so the application of this organic fertilizer removes the acidity of the soil. Thus, applying poultry-based compost eliminates the need for lime and supports better nutrient absorption by plants.

Several studies support the benefits of this poultry manure:

• Agricultural Research Service (ARS) found that poultry manure outperforms many other organic materials. It improved soil condition, reduced pest and disease incidence, and increased yields by about 12%.
• Iowa State University researchers have done a long term (20 years) study on the application of manure from chickens in crop production. Their findings showed enhanced soil health and increased farm profitability compared to using chemical fertilizers alone.
• Soil Resources Development Institute (Bangladesh) compared the nutrient content of chicken manure with other organic manures. Here are their findings:

Parameters	Chicken manure	Cow dung	Compost	Vermicompost
Humidity (%)	25.5	19.0	23.7	35.7
pH	8.4	8.1	8.5	7.1
Organic carbon (%)	19.7	16.11	18.5	14.13
Nitrogen (%)	1.26	1.15	1.56	1.34
Carbon: Nitrogen	15.6: 1	14: 1	11.86: 1	10.54: 1
Phosphorus (%)	1.20	0.85	1.66	0.67
Potassium (%)	1.65	0.97	0.96	0.63
Sulfur (%)	0.25	0.20	0.18	0.07
Zinc (%)	0.05	0.02	0.04	0.02
Copper (%)	0.001	0.001	0.01	0.00
Chromium (ppm)	11.18	1.35	15.97	10.03
Cadmium (ppm)	0.43	0.46	2.06	0.80
Lead (ppm)	13.53	0.00	8.87	1.21
Nickel (ppm)	14.66	4.47	8.14	5.15

This data clearly shows that chicken manure contains more nutrients than many other organic fertilizers.

Some people believe that fertilizer made from chicken waste contains high levels of heavy metals or contaminants, making it unsafe for soil use. However, studies have shown that most chicken manure contains heavy metal levels well below the maximum permissible limits in many countries. In fact, it provides more nutrients than other organic fertilizers and is safe for use in crop production when properly handled.

There are two effective ways to apply this poultry-derived compost for optimal crop production:

1. During soil preparation: Apply before seed sowing or transplanting seedlings.
2. As a top dressing: Spread around the root zone of plants like other fertilizers.

Chicken manure is a highly effective organic fertilizer with well-established benefits. It:

• Improves soil health
• Adds essential nutrients
• Reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers
• Neutralizes soil acidity
• Enhances yield and plant growth
• Supports sustainable farming and is ideal for those starting a homestead garden looking to grow food organically.

With proper management and application, this farmyard byproduct stands out as one of the best organic fertilizers available for farmers worldwide.

1. What is chicken manure?

Chicken manure is the waste produced by chickens, typically composed of chicken droppings, litter, and leftover feed. It is considered a high-quality organic fertilizer rich in essential plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients.

 

2. Why is chicken manure considered a good organic fertilizer?

Chicken manure rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, and copper necessary for plant growth. It also enhances soil structure, boosts organic matter content, and stimulates beneficial microbial activity for healthier, more fertile soil.

 

3. How does chicken manure improve soil health?

Chicken manure enhances soil health by increasing organic matter content, improving soil aeration, boosting water-holding capacity, and fostering microbial activity. These improvements contribute to better nutrient retention and overall soil fertility.

 

4. Does chicken manure reduce the need for chemical fertilizers in crop production?

Yes. When applied appropriately, chicken manure can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. For example, using 1–1.5 tons per hectare of chicken manure can save 20–25 kg of urea per hectare and eliminate the need for additional TSP fertilizer.

 

5. Does chicken manure help reduce soil acidity?

Yes. Chicken manure contains calcium, which acts like lime and helps neutralize acidic soils. Its regular use can reduce the need for applying external lime to manage soil pH.

 

6. Are there potential risks of heavy metal contamination in chicken manure?

Some people are concerned about heavy metal contamination in chicken manure. However, research has shown that most chicken manure contains levels of heavy metals well within the safe limits established by many countries, making it safe for agricultural use.

 

7. What is the proper method for applying chicken manure to crops?

Chicken manure is best applied during soil preparation, prior to sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings for optimal nutrient absorption. It can also be added directly to the root zone of plants like other fertilizers. Proper composting and curing before application are recommended to avoid burning plants.

 

8. How much chicken manure should be used per hectare?

Studies suggest applying 1 to 1.5 tons per hectare (or 4–6 kg per decimal) annually to achieve optimal soil fertility and crop yield benefits without overloading the soil with nutrients.

 

9. How does chicken manure compare with other organic fertilizers?

According to chemical analysis, chicken manure contains higher levels of essential nutrients compared to cow dung, compost, and vermicompost. It offers superior nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and micronutrient content, making it more effective in enhancing soil fertility and crop yields.

 

10. Is chicken manure sustainable for long-term farming?

Yes, chicken manure is a sustainable option for organic and integrated farming systems. It promotes natural nutrient recycling, reduces dependency on synthetic fertilizers, and contributes to environmentally friendly agricultural practices.