In this article, we will compare manure for crops, focusing on chicken manure vs. and hog manure. We hope to help you make an informed decision on which option is the best poop for fertilizer.
One of the biggest dilemmas organic farmers tend to face is choosing the best farm manure for their crops. With so many different and seemingly good options available today, it can be tough to make a choice. One of the most important decisions organic farmers have to consider is what type of manure to use.
Two of the most common types are chicken manure and hog manure. While these two options are good, it is important to know the exact benefits they offer to help you make a more informed choice.
Chicken Manure
Chicken manure is readily available throughout North America and is one of the best manures for organic farmers.
It is naturally high in nitrogen, which is good for vegetables and grains. But it can cause burns in plants if not composted before use. This is because chicken manure pellets are too strong to be used raw or directly on your plants. However, once composted, chicken manure becomes “black gold’ and has a wide range of benefits for your plants.
Pros of Chicken Manure
- Adds high numbers of organic matter directly to the soil. This, in turn, increases the soil’s water and nutrient retention capacity.
- Increases the amount of helpful organic soil biota, promoting healthy decomposition and nutrient cycles.
- Is naturally a great source of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK). Chicken manure pellets contains more of these nutrients than manure from other animals like horses, sheep, etc. Our pellets typically offer an analysis of 4/5% Nitrogen, 3/4% Phosphorus, and 2/3% Potassium.
- Costs significantly less and is more accessible than other manure sources.
- Makes it easier to earn and keep your organic certification.
Cons of Chicken Manure
- Chicken manure is highly acidic in comparison with other organic manures. However, this acidity can easily be reduced by proper composting. This process makes it 100% safe and beneficial for plants.
Hog Manure
Hog manure is also a common choice among organic farmers. Manure from pigs has a very high pH level, which means it is more less acidic than chicken manure. Its nitrogen content is nowhere as high as that present in chicken manure; however, it is a credible manure option.
Pros of Hog Manure
- Has a very high pH level, which can help neutralize overly acidic soil.
- Makes a great compost when mixed with other natural ingredients.
- Quite strong in comparison to other animal manures.
Cons of Hog Manure
- Hog manure has a significantly lower amount of NPK than chicken manure, which is highly needed by plants.
- More expensive than chicken manure.
In conclusion chicken manure contains the higher amounts of crucial nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur than hog manure. This means you need less chicken manure to cover the same size field.
At Crop Fertility Services, we do everything we can to support organic farmers. This is why we recommend chicken manure pellets for anyone who grows organic, or anyone who is interested in earning their certification.
If you are looking for affordable, accessible, and nutrient rich manure for your organic farm, consider chicken manure pellets for crops. Contact us today to learn more.
