Co-Composted Poultry Mortalities and Poultry Litter

Poultry farmers have initiated co-composting poultry mortalities and poultry litter as an alternative method of carcass disposal. The objective of this study was to determine chemical properties of co-compost and to survey poultry producers' composting practices. Samples were obtained from 30 dead-bird composters in six Alabama counties. Triplicate samples were analyzed for total nitrogen (N), ammonium-N (NH4-N), nitrate-N (NO3-N), total carbon (C), electrical conductivity, ash and selected plant nutrients and metals. Co-compost total N content was similar to poultry litter, but lower than reported for other co-compost, as were NH4-N and K levels. Average C:N ratio of co-compost was 9.8:l. Ash content varied widely and was higher than values reported for poultry litter, perhaps owing to addition of bones and feathers from bird carcasses and to concomitant concentration with C loss during the composting process. Due to higher average ash contents, other nutrient and metal concentrations were higher in co-compost than in poultry litter. Average fertilizer grade (N:P2O5:K20) of co-compost was 2.4:2.6:1.6. The survey indicated that most farmers altered the recommended mixture for co-composting. Most farmers were well satisfied with co-composting. More research is needed to further characterize co-compost and to determine maturity, potential mineralization rates and land application rates.