Organic fertilizers

[Missourian]

A farmer I know is considering selling bags of composted chicken manure for use in suburban gardens (and whoever else wants it). Since he produces chickens, he has a rather large supply of the "product". Fertilizer prices have been going to the moon so he wants to start getting some return on his "waste", and also do something good for the environment in the process (phosphate is overapplied to the soil in his area and is leeching into the groundwater.... so he needs to export OUT of the region to make a difference).

Would you pay for chicken manure, and how many pounds do you need for your garden in a year? Where would you sell it? Would you just stick with the bags of synthetic fertilizer at Home Depot? Is the idea even worth the hassle? Just curious...... critical comments are more than welcome!

NOTE: I know this applies more to the "Prepare to Garden" section in a lot of ways, but this would end up being a cottage industry for this farmer if viable.

[kiwi]

I do buy chicken manure, it is great for the garden because chickens don't pee so everything comes out in the manure.  I still "weather" it before using in that I dig it in, water it and leave it for a week before I plant anything.  How much you need for your garden depends on how big your garden is so that is a difficult one to answer per square foot of garden I would use approx 1/2 a cup scattered, I don't know if this is too much or too little but I have had success with this much and if anyone else has a better measurement I am all ears.  I buy mine from the farm gate, I pay $6NZ for approx 10kgs, about $4US for 5lbs I think is close enough.

[rbrgs]

You mean Home Depot in your area doesn't already have bagged chicken manure; the one in Hilo does.

I buy several bags a month, and expect to pay about $5/bag; more if it's pelleted.

Chicken manure is 3-3-3ish; most garden crops need 100+ lbs/acre/year of available N, P, and K (more for corn)=3,333lbs or a pound for every 14 square feet.  Very approximately.