Chicken Manure vs Cow Manure: Which Is Better Fertilizer?

Wikipedia: Chicken ManureWikipedia: Manure
Verdict

Chicken manure is significantly higher in nitrogen and nutrients but must be composted thoroughly to avoid burning plants. Cow manure is milder, safer to apply, and better for soil building. Use composted chicken manure for heavy-feeding crops and cow manure for general soil improvement.

How Do Chicken Manure and Cow Manure Compare?

Cow Manure wins 3 of 5 categories. The breakdown below covers nitrogen content, safety without composting, soil building, weed seeds, availability.

FactorChicken ManureCow Manure
Nitrogen Content
Chicken manure has 3-4x more nitrogen per pound than cow manure, making it a powerful fertilizer
9
5
Safety Without Composting
Raw chicken manure is extremely hot and will burn plants. Cow manure is mild enough for direct application in many cases
3
7
Soil Building
Cow manure adds more organic bulk per load, improving soil structure and water holding capacity
6
8
Weed Seeds
Chicken manure contains far fewer weed seeds than cow manure, which is often full of undigested seeds
7
4
Availability
Cow manure is more widely available in bulk from dairy and beef farms. Chicken manure requires a poultry operation
6
8

When Should You Choose Chicken Manure?

Choose Chicken Manure when you prioritize nitrogen content, weed seeds. Chicken manure has 3-4x more nitrogen per pound than cow manure, making it a powerful fertilizer

  • Nitrogen Content: Chicken manure has 3-4x more nitrogen per pound than cow manure, making it a powerful fertilizer
  • Weed Seeds: Chicken manure contains far fewer weed seeds than cow manure, which is often full of undigested seeds

When Should You Choose Cow Manure?

Choose Cow Manure when you prioritize safety without composting, soil building, availability. Raw chicken manure is extremely hot and will burn plants. Cow manure is mild enough for direct application in many cases

  • Safety Without Composting: Raw chicken manure is extremely hot and will burn plants. Cow manure is mild enough for direct application in many cases
  • Soil Building: Cow manure adds more organic bulk per load, improving soil structure and water holding capacity
  • Availability: Cow manure is more widely available in bulk from dairy and beef farms. Chicken manure requires a poultry operation

Sources

Source:Wikipedia: Chicken ManureSource:Wikipedia: Manure

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