Chicken manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, essential plant nutrients. The manure decomposes and releases the nutrients into the soil for plants to absorb. When combined with litter, a layer of wood shavings or hay that covers the floor of the coop and nesting boxes, organic matter is incorporated into the soil along with nutrients. The increased organic matter content improves the soil's ability to hold moisture. To avoid the possibility of pathogens in the manure, the University of Florida Extension recommends that the manure and litter are composted for several weeks before using on plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Assemble a compost bin. A 3-foot by 3-foot by 3-foot compost bin is sufficient for the average gardener. Plastic compost bins are available, but compost bins can also be homemade out of wood, hardware cloth, chicken wire or other recycled items. The composter must have cover, holes or slits on the sides for air flow and be set up in a sunny location.
2. Place bedding and manure in compost bin. Add water. Turn compost with a pitchfork or hay fork and continue adding water until moistened evenly throughout. During the next couple of weeks, while the compost cures, turn it every three or four days to aerate and add water as needed to keep evenly moist.
3. Take a sample of the composting manure, after it has composted for a couple of weeks, to your county extension to determine its nutrient content.
4. Calculate the nutrient need of your crops. Not all crops need the same amount of nutrition. Corn needs 180 to 240 lbs. of nitrogen per acre, while the average vegetable garden only needs about 100 lbs. of nitrogen per acre.
5. Apply composted manure to the soil as close to the plant as possible.
6. Turn composted manure into the soil with a pitchfork or hay fork, taking care not to disturb nearby plants.
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