Concern About Overusing Composted Chicken Manure in the Garden
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ClutchCrafter - Chick Keeper
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- Location: Qingdao, China
Re: Concern About Overusing Composted Chicken Manure in the Garden
Chicken manure is very high in nitrogen, and it's easy to over-apply. I'd recommend monitoring your garden closely over the next few weeks. If the yellowing continues or gets worse, you might want to dilute the area with some compost or other organic material.
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RoosterRambler - Chick Keeper
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- Location: Xiamen, China
Re: Concern About Overusing Composted Chicken Manure in the Garden
It's hard to say for sure without a test, but the yellowing grass might indicate excess nitrogen. Chicken manure is really high in nitrogen, and too much can lead to burning. In future applications, consider spreading it out more thinly and giving it more time to break down.
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FlockFather - Hatchling
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- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
- Location: Belém, Brazil
Re: Concern About Overusing Composted Chicken Manure in the Garden
My experience with chicken manure has been similar. The excess nitrogen can cause yellowing grass and may even stunt fruit tree growth if used too liberally. I'd recommend giving it some time to break down more, and in future applications, using less. A soil test will help confirm the levels.
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RoostRuler - Chick Keeper
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- Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2025 4:36 pm
- Location: Veracruz, Mexico
Re: Concern About Overusing Composted Chicken Manure in the Garden
The yellowing might be a sign that the manure is too fresh or applied too heavily. If the grass isn't too far gone, I would try watering the area well and waiting to see if the plants bounce back. For future reference, applying chicken manure in moderation is key.
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IreneIncubator - Hatchling
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- Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2025 12:21 am
Re: Concern About Overusing Composted Chicken Manure in the Garden
I've had similar experiences. The ammonia smell means the manure is fresh and might be too “hot” for plants. I would suggest you wait a while and see if the plants adjust, but in the future, try applying smaller amounts and composting it longer before use.
Re: Concern About Overusing Composted Chicken Manure in the Garden
I'd be cautious with chicken manure if you notice yellowing. It can be too rich in nitrogen for delicate plants, especially fruit trees. I've had success applying smaller amounts and letting the compost break down more before applying it to the garden.