Worksheet for calculating the fertilizer value of a broiler litter
Given below is a worksheet to calculate the value of broiler litter based on prevailing retail selling prices of common fertilizer materials containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) expressed as P2O5 (the oxide expression used in the fertilizer industry), and potassium (K) expressed as K2O (fertilizer recommendations are made on the oxide basis for both P and K).
For more information on the litter N,P, and K availability to crops, go to our publication:
Calculating the Fertilizer Value of Broiler Litter.
Step 1: Cost per pound of available nutrients:
Call your local fertilizer dealer for current fertilizer prices in your area. If the fertilizer dealer provides a price for a blend such as 17-17-17, ask for the prices of the individual fertilizer materials making up the blend. Select a fertilizer and enter the current market price in the box beside it. The price for the corresponding nutrient will be calculated for you.| Select Source | Cost/Ton of Fertilizer | ⇒ | Cost/Lb of Nutrient | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N: | $ | ⇒ | - | |
| P2O5: | $ | ⇒ | - | |
| K2O: | $ | ⇒ | - |
Step 2: Determine the equivalent N, P2O5, and K2O values per ton of litter:
Typical analysis values will appear below based on average broiler litter analysis results at our laboratories over the past three years. Optionally, you may enter the litter N, P2O5, and K2O values shown on your animal waste report.Choose a selection below indicating how the litter will be applied. |
| % |
Select whether you want to use lbs/ton or percent from your litter analysis results. | |
| Analysis Results in Percent | ⇒ | Nutrient Value in Dollars/Ton | |
| N: | ⇒ | - | |
| P2O5: | ⇒ | - | |
| K2O: | ⇒ | - |
Step 3: Add the total fertilizer values for N, P, and K in dollars per ton of litter:
The total of the nutrient values for N, P, and K will give you the total value of broiler litter.
Note: Poultry litter provides additional benefits, including micronutrients, its liming value, and the addition of organic matter to the soil.
However, broiler litter is not as convenient to use as commercial fertilizer and it has additional costs for hauling and spreading that depend on local conditions.