Claire Thompson
Chicken manure is a nutrient-rich organic material that can be used to fertilise fruit trees. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which promote vigorous plant growth and improve overall soil health. However, fresh chicken manure should be avoided as it can kill plants. Instead, composted chicken manure should be used, which can be purchased or made at home. When collecting chicken manure, it is important to wear a mask and gloves as it contains fungi and bacteria that can be harmful to humans. Once the manure is composted and cured, it can be spread around the roots of fruit trees to boost their growth and production.
How to put compost chicken manure on fruit trees
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What | Composted chicken manure |
| Where to buy | Local garden centre, local farm, or trusted online sources |
| How to use | Spread 1 inch of fertilizer around the roots of the tree in early spring |
| How much to use | 20-30 pounds per 100 square feet of soil, adjust based on soil condition and plant type |
| Precautions | Wear a mask and gloves when collecting manure, as it contains fungi and bacteria harmful to humans |
| Preparation | Mix 1 part manure with 2 parts bedding, compost for at least 6 months, turning several times |
| Benefits | Nutrient-rich, with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium; improves soil fertility and structure, supports healthy plant growth |
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What You'll Learn
Why composted chicken manure is better than raw chicken manure
Chicken manure is an excellent natural fertiliser for fruit trees. However, using raw, uncomposted chicken manure is not a good idea. Here are several reasons why composted chicken manure is better than raw chicken manure:
Reduces Ammonia
Chicken manure contains high levels of ammonia, which is responsible for its pungent odour. During the composting process, some of the excess nitrogen evaporates as ammonia gas. This reduces the overall ammonia content in the manure, making it less smelly and healthier for your chickens, as ammonia is not good for them to breathe.
Breaks Down Nutrients
The composting process helps break down the nutrients in the chicken manure into a form that fruit trees can easily absorb and utilise. The beneficial soil microbes play a crucial role in this process, creating an environment where nutrients are readily available for the trees.
Reduces Risk of Disease
Fresh chicken manure may contain disease-causing organisms that can contaminate root and leaf crops. Composting the manure helps destroy these pathogens, making it safer to use on fruit trees and in vegetable gardens.
Improves Soil Composition
Composted chicken manure not only adds essential nutrients to the soil but also helps improve soil structure. It can increase the soil's water-holding capacity and encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms, leading to healthier and more productive plants.
Balances Nitrogen Levels
Chicken manure is high in nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. However, too much nitrogen can promote excessive growth of branches at the expense of flowers and fruit production. Composting helps balance the nitrogen levels, ensuring that the manure provides a boost without causing an overabundance of nitrogen.
To use composted chicken manure on fruit trees, spread a thin layer (around one inch) of the fertiliser around the roots in early spring. Observe how the tree responds, and adjust the amount or frequency as needed.
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How to collect chicken manure safely
Chicken manure is a great natural fertilizer for fruit trees, but it must be composted first. Raw chicken manure is too strong to be used on plants and can damage their roots and even kill them. It is also very smelly due to the ammonia it contains, which is not healthy for chickens to breathe.
To collect chicken manure safely, you will need to set up a composting system. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose a Composting Bin: Select a suitable container for your compost pile, such as a composting bin or a pile in your garden. If you are creating a compost pile, it is recommended to place it uphill from your garden to prevent potential nitrogen runoff.
- Collect Manure and Bedding: Chicken manure and soiled bedding should be collected from the coop. Some people prefer to do this daily, while others add new bedding over the droppings and collect them less frequently. The bedding provides a dry cushion for chickens and helps control odor and pests. Common types of bedding include shavings, sawdust, dry leaves, or straw.
- Achieve the Right Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio: The ideal ratio of carbon to nitrogen for composting is around 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. However, because chicken manure is high in nitrogen, you may use a 1:1 or even a 2:1 mixture. This can be adjusted depending on the type of bedding used, as different beddings have varying carbon-to-nitrogen ratios.
- Create a "Hot Compost" Recipe: Combine the correct ratio of bedding and manure in a pile, approximately one cubic yard in size. Add moisture to the material until it is about as wet as a well-wrung sponge. The ideal temperature for the compost pile is between 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit, which should be maintained for at least three days. This temperature range destroys pathogens, while temperatures above 160 degrees Fahrenheit can kill beneficial microorganisms.
- Turn the Compost: To ensure even decomposition, turn the compost pile several times during the composting process.
- Age the Compost: Allow the compost to age for at least six months before using it on your fruit trees. The aging process allows excess nitrogen to evaporate as ammonia gas, and it ensures that the manure is safe for your plants.
By following these steps, you can safely collect and compost chicken manure, transforming it into a valuable fertilizer for your fruit trees. Remember always to use gloves and wash your hands after handling chicken manure to ensure good hygiene and sanitation.
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How to create your own chicken manure compost
Chicken manure is considered a valuable resource for gardeners, as it can be used to create nutrient-rich compost. However, it is important to note that fresh chicken manure can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, as well as high levels of ammonia, which can be dangerous to plants and unpleasant to be around. Therefore, composting chicken manure is essential before applying it to your garden or fruit trees. Here is a guide on how to create your own chicken manure compost:
Prepare the Chicken Manure and Composting Materials:
Firstly, collect the chicken manure and any waste from the chicken coop, such as shavings, sawdust, straw, hay, and feathers. These materials will provide carbon and nitrogen, essential for creating the right environment for decomposition. Additionally, gather kitchen scraps, yard plant debris, leaves, small sticks, and paper. These organic materials will enhance the composting process.
Choose a Composting Method:
You can opt for hot composting, which involves maintaining a temperature of 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit within the compost heap. This method kills weed seeds, pathogens, and harmful bacteria while accelerating the decomposition process. Alternatively, you can choose a slower, natural decomposition process by simply letting the compost pile rest without turning it regularly.
Build the Compost Pile:
Start by placing a layer of brown materials, which are carbon-rich, at the bottom of your compost bin. This can include straw, pine shavings, bedding materials, and paper. Next, add a layer of green materials, which are nitrogen-rich, such as fresh chicken manure and kitchen scraps. Maintain a ratio of 2 parts brown to 1 part green to manage the nitrogen content effectively. Continue building the pile, alternating between brown and green layers, ensuring adequate airflow between layers.
Maintain and Turn the Pile:
Regularly stir and turn the composting materials to introduce oxygen and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. For hot composting, maintain a temperature of 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit to destroy pathogenic bacteria. Turning the pile will also help you identify when the manure has transformed into rich compost, usually within 90 days or even as early as 18 days with the Berkeley hot composting method.
Apply the Chicken Manure Compost:
After your compost is ready, you can apply it to your garden or fruit trees. For gardens, spread a layer of compost 1-2 inches thick across your garden bed annually, preferably in the fall after harvesting. For potted plants, mix the compost into your potting soil, ensuring it doesn't exceed 50% of the soil mixture. When using chicken manure compost on fruit trees, start with a thin layer of about one inch around the roots in early spring, observing its effects on the tree's growth. Always allow enough time for the compost to age and break down into nutrients that the trees can absorb safely.
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How much composted chicken manure to use on fruit trees
Chicken manure is a nutrient-rich organic material that makes excellent fertiliser for fruit trees. It is packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, promoting vigorous plant growth and improving overall soil health. However, it should be composted or aged before using it on fruit trees to reduce ammonia levels and eliminate harmful pathogens.
When using composted chicken manure, it is recommended to spread a small amount, approximately one inch thick, around the roots of the tree in early spring. This allows you to observe its effects on the tree's growth and production and adjust as needed. The composted manure should be turned several times during the composting process, and experts suggest letting it age for at least six months before application.
The amount of composted chicken manure to use depends on the type of fruit tree and the condition of the soil. As a general rule, start with a moderate amount and adjust accordingly. For example, a guideline amount is often cited as 20 to 30 pounds per 100 square feet of soil, but this should be adapted to the specific needs of the fruit tree and soil conditions.
It is important to note that too much nitrogen in fruit trees can spur the growth of branches at the expense of flowers and fruit production. Therefore, moderation is critical when applying composted chicken manure, and it should be combined with carbon-rich straw or other bedding during the composting process to create the right environment for beneficial microbes to break down the manure into absorbable nutrients.
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Where to buy composted chicken manure
When it comes to fertilizing fruit trees, composted chicken manure is a great option. It can be purchased from your local garden centre in bags, or sourced from a local farm.
One option for purchasing composted chicken manure is to look for local farms or suppliers in your area. Dairy Doo, for example, is a Michigan-based company that sources its chicken litter from five distinct barns in the state. They offer bulk chicken manure products that can be transported directly to your farm. Another example is Acti-Sol, a Quebec-based company that produces dried hen manure fertilizers. Their products are available in formulations specifically for fruit trees, containing 4% nitrogen, 6% phosphorus, and 8% potassium by weight.
You can also find composted chicken manure at garden centres or home improvement stores. For example, Lowe's offers Gardeners Chicken Manure, a 1-cu ft organic compost and manure blend that provides organic nutrients for plants.
Online retailers are another option for purchasing composted chicken manure. Websites like Kellogg Garden Organics offer organic composted chicken manure products for gardens.
When purchasing composted chicken manure, it is important to consider the quality and source of the product. Look for suppliers that source their manure from farms with consistent diets for their hens, as this can result in more consistent manure and compost. Additionally, consider the benefits of dried chicken manure, which has lower ammonia levels and is easier to transport.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken manure is a nutrient-rich organic material that makes an excellent fertilizer for fruit trees. It contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which promote vigorous plant growth and improve overall soil health.
Chicken manure contains a variety of fungi and bacteria that can be harmful to humans. When collecting chicken manure, it is important to wear a protective mask and gloves. Collecting trays in the chicken coop can make the process easier.
It is recommended to start with a moderate amount, generally around 20 to 30 pounds per 100 square feet of soil. For fruit trees, start by spreading just one inch of fertilizer around the roots in early spring and adjust the amount based on your tree's growth and production.
