Is Turkey Poop Good Fertilizer? The Benefits and Risks Explained

One of the biggest differences between chicken manure and turkey manure is wood chip bedding material. Wood chips, often found in turkey barns, absorb a percentage of what would’ve been available nitrogen, while chicken manure does not.

The presence of bedding material in turkey litter can pose challenges for getting an OMRI listing, which adds another layer of complexion for it’s use on the organic farm.

One of the main differences between our chicken manure pellets and turkey manure is the form in which it arrives. When you order chicken manure pellets, you’re getting a product that’s low on smell, and easier to handle than raw manure.

Turkey manure is not currently offered in a pelleted form, due to the bedding material that is mixed in with the actual turkey manure itself. Of course, this means that the spreader you’ll use to spread turkey manure may be different than the one you would use to spread chicken manure pellets.

Turkey poop also known as turkey manure or turkey litter, can be an excellent organic fertilizer for gardens and farms. However as with any animal waste product, it needs to be used carefully to avoid potential downsides. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using turkey droppings as fertilizer.

Why Use Turkey Poop as Fertilizer?

There are several compelling reasons to use turkey manure as a fertilizing agent:

It contains essential nutrients for plants – Turkey poop is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients that are vital for plant growth and soil fertility The high nitrogen content, in particular, makes it very valuable as a fertilizer
Increases soil organic matter – As an organic substance, turkey manure contributes to the organic matter levels in soil. This can improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability over time.
Reduces chemical fertilizer needs – Applying turkey litter reduces the need for synthetic chemical fertilizers. It provides a more natural, organic source of fertility.
Reuses a waste product – Rather than disposing of turkey droppings, using it as fertilizer turns waste into a useful resource. This supports sustainability and circular economy principles.
Low cost – Sourcing turkey poop for use as fertilizer is often inexpensive or even free in rural areas. This makes it an affordable soil amendment compared to commercial fertilizers.

In short, turkey manure offers an organic, nutrient-dense, low cost fertilizing option that benefits crop yields and soil health. It allows for more sustainable food production practices.

How to Use Turkey Litter as Fertilizer

While turkey droppings hold potential as fertilizer, proper handling is crucial:

Compost first – Raw turkey manure can burn plants due to its high nitrogen levels. Allowing it to fully compost mellows and stabilizes the nutrients.
Avoid overapplication – Applying too much poop can lead to excessive salt and nutrient buildups in soil, so follow recommended application rates.
Let it age before spreading – Fresh turkey litter may contain harmful pathogens. Letting it age for 6 months helps make it safer to handle and use in gardens.
Wear protective gear – Direct contact with turkey feces can pose health risks. Use gloves, long sleeves, and a dust mask when working with litter.
Incorporate into soil – Lightly till turkey manure into the soil rather than leaving it in clumps on the surface. This prevents nitrogen loss and promotes plant uptake.
Test soil first – Check soil nutrient levels before applying to avoid skewing the balance or overloading certain nutrients.

Adhering to best practices keeps your garden safe while harnessing the fertilizer power of turkey droppings. Monitor your plants and soil to adjust application rates accordingly.

Potential Downsides of Using Turkey Poop

Despite the benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind:

Odor – Turkey litter can give off an unpleasant ammonia smell, especially when fresh. Composting and aging it helps reduce odor issues.
Pathogens – Salmonella, E. coli, and other pathogens may reside in untreated turkey feces. Proper composting provides disinfection.
Weed seeds – Undigested seeds eaten by turkeys can survive in their manure and sprout as unwanted weeds later on.
Parasites – Intestinal worms in turkey droppings may infect garden plants if litter is applied raw. Aging and heating the poop kills them.
High salt content – Excess salts from turkey diets concentrate in their manure. Overapplying can increase soil salinity to harmful levels for plants.
Nutrient imbalance – The nitrogen to phosphorus ratio in turkey litter may not match what your crops need, resulting in skewed soil fertility.

While these risks exist, they can be mitigated with careful handling procedures when using turkey poop as fertilizer.

When used properly, turkey manure provides an excellent organic fertilizing option that enhances soil nutrients and structure, reduces chemical inputs, and recycles waste. However, responsible management is key to avoiding pitfalls like odors, pathogens, weeds, salinity issues, and nutrient imbalances. Overall, turkey droppings can be a sustainable addition to gardens and farms provided its unique qualities and risks are understood. With care and moderation, this unconventional soil amendment can boost productivity without compromising environmental health.

is turkey poop good fertilizer

Chicken Manure Pellets vs. Raw Turkey Manure (almost double the N)

Turkey manure comes in a raw form, while the product we offer comes in a condensed, pelletized form. The pelleting process gives our product almost *double the amount of nitrogen per ton. In the University of Wisconsin study we’re referring to, Turkey manure offered 40 lbs. of Nitrogen per ton, while our pellets typically range from 80-100 lbs. of Nitrogen per ton.

Study performed by University of Wisconsin, here.

With chicken manure pellets, you’ll get second year fertility credit (first year availability is anywhere from 60-70%). We highly recommend you work with an agronomist to determine specific nutrient requirements.

Raw Chicken Manure vs Raw Turkey Manure

The biggest difference in raw chicken manure and raw turkey manure is in the form of the product. Turkey manure most often contains bedding material of various types, whereas raw chicken manure if from layer barns, does not.

Why we use turkey compost.

FAQ

Is turkey manure better than chicken manure?

The strength of turkey manure can vary but not as much as poultry manure. It depends on how the birds are raised. Turkeys stay on bedding longer than broilers so the nutrient concentrations are higher. However, many broiler farms change the bedding after 2 batches so that is better.

What animal poop is the best fertilizer?

Pig, dog, cat, and human waste should never be used in a vegetable garden. Cow, horse, chicken/poultry, sheep, goat, and llama manure are acceptable types of manure appropriate for use in vegetable gardens. There are differences in using raw, aged, and composted manure in a garden.

What to do with turkey poop?

If you have soil that’s in great need of nitrogen, turkey manure compost is one of the best choices you can make. If you have a turkey grower in the area, you may have a ready supply of a valuable addition to your garden and compost bin.

Is turkey manure high in nitrogen?

Fresh poultry manure is is particularly high in ammonia. Fresh manure typically has high amounts of ammonium or soluble nitrogen. This results in a higher available nitrogen content compared to composted manure. Poultry manure is particularly high in ammonia and readily burns if over-applied.