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 | over40
Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3 NC 
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2006-01-28 123701
I'm thinking of trying a more organic approach for my lawn.
I was thinking of having 8 tons of chicken litter spread on my 1 acre yard in early March. The litter will range in age from 1 week to 10 months. So it isn't exactly composed. The supplier promises little to no weed growth in the chicken litter, because the feed used in raising the chickens is "processed" and any seed found in the litter will not germanate.
My question is. Do you think this would be a good idea or not? 8 tons delivered and spread will cost $75. Seems cheap enough.
Thanks for your opinions!!
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| hardwood
Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3583 iowa 
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2006-01-29 123711
Over40; The chicken manure not being full composted may smell a bit till it gets rained on a few times or gets worked into the soil. My Saturday morning job when I was a kid was to clean the chicken house, it did'nt smell too good. Maybe you can get it that is full composted. Frank. ....
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 | Peters
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 3034 Northern AL
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2006-01-29 123712
Chicken S#&* is pretty strong. I would be worried about burning the lawn. I also think it would be good to composted it for a time. ....
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| over40
Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3 NC
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2006-01-30 123772
Hardwood and Peters thanks for your input. I'm not too concerned with the smell issue. We live out in a rural area and the neighbors will get over the smell. If not they need to move back to town.
I would prefer completely composted litter, but I figure the it to be around 75% composted. I'm tired of using the synthetic fertilizers that only feed the grass and does nothing to feed the soil.
This is the first step in trying to enrich or feed the soil. In the fall I may kill of the entire lawn. Then add 6 to 8" of 70% top soil, 30% compost. Compost mainly being composted leaves and chicken litter. Till this in good and resew the entire yard.
This would also be a good time to install a sprinkler system. If I can convince the wife that this would add value to the place. ....
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 | yooperpete
Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1413 Northern Michigan 
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2006-01-30 123775
I would be concerned that the chicken stuff would smell and weed seeds would germinate. Don't care what the farmer says.
I would broadcast spread 12-12-12 starting in the early spring and re-apply about every 3 weeks while the weather is cool. I use a natural fertilizer more in mid summer called Ringer's. It smells like chicken do-do. It won't burn but requires a heavy application to do much. You lawn needs moisture. From the 12-12-12 you will be feeding the soil and mowing the lawn every 3-4 days. 12-12-12 costs about $5.00 per bag and the Ringer's about $15.00. Cutring your grass a little on the long side and well watered gives you a nice green lawn and keeps the weeds out. ....
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