Fertilization of Annual Rangeland with Chicken Manure

Abstract

Changing patterns of land use caused by urban expansion may bring poultry operators into foothill areas and thus provide a cheap source of plant nutrients for rangeland fertilization. Research results with chicken manure applied to annual range indicate that application may be made in any season, with forage responses lasting into the third year after application. Forage quality and palatability are increased but the initial abundance of legumes is decreased by increased rates of chicken manure. Additional first year feed obtained from fertilization can be obtained for a cost of between $1.56 and $2.18 per AUM.