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Chicken manure, as a nutrient-rich source of organic fertiliser, can be a powerful aid to sustainable agricultural development after proper composting. However, without proper treatment, chicken manure may bring a series of problems, such as disease transmission and environmental pollution. Therefore, it is particularly important to master the scientific method of composting chicken manure.
Composted chicken waste uses
Composted chicken manure provides rich nutrients
Chicken manure contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, key elements required for plant growth. After composting, these nutrients are released slowly, providing plants with a continuous and stable supply of nutrients. Compared with chemical fertilisers, chicken manure compost not only meets the nutrient needs of plants, but also improves soil structure and the soil’s ability to retain water and fertiliser.
Composted chicken manure improves soil structure
Composted chicken manure increases the looseness and permeability of the soil. It can make the soil particles looser, which is conducive to the growth and respiration of the root system. At the same time, a good soil structure also improves the soil’s water-holding capacity, reduces water loss and creates a more suitable growing environment for plants.
Composted chicken manure reduces pest and disease risk
During the composting process, high temperatures kill harmful pathogens and parasites in chicken manure. This makes composted chicken manure safer and reduces the risk of crops contracting diseases. In addition, composting improves the soil’s microbial community and enhances the soil’s natural resistance to disease.
Composting chicken manure is good for the environment
Composting chicken manure, rather than discharging it directly, reduces environmental pollution. Substances such as carbon dioxide and water produced during the composting process are part of the natural cycle and do not have a negative impact on the environment. Composting also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Basic principles of chicken manure composting
At the heart of composting is the action of microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi, worms and other tiny organisms break down the organic matter in chicken manure into humus, water and carbon dioxide, etc. under suitable conditions. In this process, carbon, nitrogen and water are the key elements for microbial survival and activity.
Chicken manure is rich in nitrogen and is a good source of nitrogen. However, the ratio of chicken manure to carbon source material needs to be balanced to ensure smooth composting. Generally speaking, the carbon to nitrogen ratio of composting materials should be maintained between 25:1 and 30:1. Such a ratio can provide a suitable living environment for microorganisms and promote their growth and reproduction.
During the composting process, microbial activity generates heat, which raises the temperature of the compost. When the temperature reaches above 40°C, harmful pathogens in the chicken manure begin to be killed. This phase is called the ‘hot composting’ phase and usually lasts from a few weeks to a few months. The final result is a stable, odourless, well-decomposed manure that can be processed into powdered or granular organic fertiliser through organic fertiliser plant, making it easy to package and store and chicken manure for sale.
Steps in composting chicken manure
Preparation for composting
Collection of chicken manure: Chicken manure can be collected from poultry farms, family farms or vegetable garden coops. Fresh chicken manure usually contains high moisture content and some dry material needs to be added to balance the moisture and carbon to nitrogen ratio during the composting process.
Choosing a composting location: The composting site should be located away from water sources to prevent contamination of water bodies by rainwater runoff. Also, choose a place with good drainage and air circulation, preferably receiving a moderate amount of sunlight to promote compost warming.
Material Preparation: In addition to chicken manure, you need to prepare ‘brown’ materials such as hay, sawdust, leaves and other carbon-rich materials. These materials neutralise the high nitrogen content of chicken manure and prevent excessive volatilisation of ammonia.
Mixed composting materials
Adjustment of the carbon to nitrogen ratio: Mix one part of chicken manure with two to three parts of dry carbon material to keep the carbon to nitrogen ratio of the compost material within the appropriate range. For example, 500 kg of chicken manure can be mixed with 1,000 to 1,500 kg of hay, leaves or sawdust.
Moisture control: The moisture content of the compost should be maintained at between 50-60 per cent. Moisture can be tested by holding a handful of compost material, which should form a slight ball rather than fall apart or drip when the hand is released. If the humidity is not right, adjustments need to be made.
Establishment of compost heaps
When setting up a chicken manure compost pile, a mixture of chicken manure and carbon source material needs to be carefully stacked. Firstly, a suitable site should be selected to ensure good drainage and ventilation. Then, start stacking the chicken manure and carbon source materials after mixing them well. The height of the pile should be between 1.2 metres and 1.5 metres, which is a critical range. This can effectively maintain the temperature inside the compost heap and create a suitable environment for the decomposition activities of microorganisms. When the temperature of the compost heap is suitable, the activity of microorganisms will be enhanced and the decomposition rate of organic matter will be accelerated. In the composting process, attention should be paid to the shape of the pile as regular as possible, in order to better carry out the subsequent temperature monitoring and compost turning machine turning operation. The decomposition process of chicken manure and carbon source materials can be effectively promoted through the reasonable setting of the compost heap.
Monitoring and maintenance of compost
Temperature monitoring: The temperature of the compost heap is measured regularly with a thermometer. Within a few days of the start of composting, the temperature rises rapidly and reaches about 55-65°C within a week. This high temperature phase is essential to kill pathogenic bacteria, weed seeds and parasites. If the temperature falls below 40°C, it may be necessary to turn the pile or add additional material.
Turning and aeration: Turn the pile every 7 to 10 days to ensure that the compost is well mixed and provides sufficient oxygen for the micro-organisms. Turning involves turning cooler material from the outside into the centre of the compost to achieve full decomposition and sterilisation.
Compost maturation and use
Signs of compost maturity: The maturation process of compost usually takes between 3 and 6 months depending on the type of material, compost management, environmental conditions and the use of microbial inoculant. mature compost is dark brown or black in colour, fine in texture, with no visible large lumps of undecomposed organic matter, odourless, with an odour similar to that of soil, and at temperatures close to ambient temperatures.
Usage:Mature compost can be used directly on farmland, gardens, fruit tree or vegetable growing areas. Before planting, the compost can be spread evenly over the surface of the ground and then turned deeply into the soil. After planting, compost can also be applied to plant roots as a mulch to moisturise, suppress weeds and provide nutrients.
The Do's and Don'ts of Composting Chicken Manure
Avoiding overuse of chicken manure
Chicken manure contains high levels of nitrogen and excessive use may result in plant burn or excessive soil acidification. During composting and application, care should be taken to control the amount and avoid applying too much incompletely composted chicken manure directly to crops.
Preventing the spread of pathogenic bacteria in chicken manure
Closely monitor the temperature of the compost pile to ensure that it reaches 55-65°C to completely kill any pathogenic bacteria in the chicken manure. Ensure that the composted chicken manure is fully decomposed before application to prevent contamination of the food chain.
Odour control of chicken manure during composting
Maintaining a proper carbon to nitrogen ratio and turning the pile can effectively reduce odour during the chicken manure composting process. If the compost heap shows excessive odour, it may be due to excessive humidity or lack of oxygen.
Chicken manure composting is an economical, environmentally friendly and efficient way to produce fertiliser. Through proper composting treatment, chicken manure can be converted into high-quality organic fertiliser, providing a sustainable source of nutrients for agricultural production. During the composting process, correct control of key factors such as carbon to nitrogen ratio, humidity, temperature and ventilation can effectively eliminate pathogenic bacteria, reduce odour and produce harmless and safe compost. Composted chicken manure not only improves soil fertility, but also reduces dependence on chemical fertilisers and achieves recycling of resources. Knowledge of the technology and steps involved in composting chicken manure is important for promoting sustainable agricultural development and providing a reliable source of fertiliser for home gardens and small farms.
