PROSPECTS FOR THE USE OF POULTRY MANURE AS AN ORGANIC FERTILIZER IN AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Poultry farming is one of the largest and fastest growing agro-industrial sectors in the world. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for poultry meat and egg products. However, the major challenge facing the poultry industry is the large-scale accumulation of waste, including manure and litter, which can create disposal and pollution problems unless environmentally and economically sustainable management technologies are developed. Much of the litter produced by the poultry industry is currently applied to agricultural land as a source of nutrients and soil fertilizer. However, environmental contamination through leaching of nutrients and pollutants can occur when poultry litter is applied under soil and climatic conditions that are not conducive to agronomic utilization of the nutrients contained in the manure. This article discusses the composition of poultry manure in terms of nutrient and environmental pollutant content, its value as a source of nutrients, soil fertilizer, animal feed and fuel source, and cost-effective innovative technologies to enhance its value. Poultry litter is a major source of nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients for crop production and is effective in increasing physical and biological fertility, indicating that farming remains the primary option for utilizing this valuable resource. The review suggests best management practices to mitigate environmental impacts associated with air and water quality parameters affected by farming in order to maintain continued productivity, profitability and sustainability of the poultry industry.