As the Southern Queensland summer reaches its scorching peak, farmers face a critical decision: how to revitalise the soil for a late summer plant. In this blog, we will delve into the differences and benefits of using composted poultry manure versus other alternatives and explore how this choice can work wonders for your late summer crops.

Understanding the Options

When it comes to fertilising your fields, you have two main choices: synthetic fertilisers and composted poultry manure. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Synthetic Fertilisers: A Quick Fix?

Synthetic fertilisers are known for their ability to provide an instant nutrient boost to your crops. They contain concentrated forms of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which can quickly stimulate plant growth. However, this quick fix comes with a price:

• Environmental Concerns: The rapid release of nutrients from synthetic fertilisers when not used with care, can result in nutrient runoff, polluting water bodies and harming the ecosystem.
• pH Disruption: When not used properly, they can alter the soil's pH, affecting nutrient availability and potentially harming your crops.
• Soil Structure: Contribute very little to the ecosystem or structure of the soil.

Composted Poultry Manure: The Natural Alternative

On the other hand, composted poultry manure offers a more holistic and sustainable approach to fertilising. This organic matter-rich fertiliser is derived from poultry manure and carefully selected materials that have undergone a composting process. Here are the key benefits of choosing poultry composted manure:

• Nutrient Balance: Composted poultry manure contains a mix of macro nutrients, including N, P, K and C, along with essential micronutrients.
• Slow Release: It releases nutrients gradually as it is mineralised, providing a longer-lasting source of nourishment for your late summer plants.
• Soil Health: Composted poultry manure improves soil structure, improves infiltration, enhances water retention, and fosters beneficial microbial activity. This creates an environment where your plants can thrive.
• Environmental Sustainability: Using composted poultry manure reduces the risk of nutrient runoff, making it an environmentally conscious choice.

Boosting Late Summer Crops

Now, let's focus on how composted poultry manure can specifically benefit late summer crops:

• Slow and Steady Growth: Late summer plants need a gradual and steady supply of nutrients to flourish. Composted poultry manure provides this sustained nourishment, ensuring your crops thrive even during the scorching heat.
• Adding carbon to your soil: Carbon not only builds the structure of your soil, it is also a food source for microbes which aid in the mineralisation of nutrients.
• Improved Water Retention: The enhanced water retention capability of soil enriched with composted poultry manure can be a lifesaver during dry spells, helping your late summer crops endure drought conditions.
• Disease Resistance: The balanced nutrients and improved soil health from composted poultry manure can enhance the disease resistance of your plants, safeguarding them against common late-season pests and diseases.
• Higher Yields: With the organic goodness of composted poultry manure, you can expect increased yields and superior quality produce.

In conclusion, when it comes to late summer plantings in the Darling Downs, Southern Downs and the Lockyer Valley, composted poultry manure is your natural ally. It not only provides essential nutrients but also nurtures the health of your soil and minimises environmental impacts. So, make the wise choice for your farm and watch your late summer crops thrive like never before. Your soil will thank you, and so will your harvests.

To find out more about how composted poultry manure can help, call 0488 078 481 for further information and to discuss what would suit your crops.