Optimizing Fertilizer Production

Optimizing Fertilizer Production: Safe and Effective Processing of Poultry and Cattle Waste

Cattle and poultry waste are among the most prevalent types of manure used in agriculture. When properly composted, cattle manure provides beneficial bacteria that enhance crop growth and serves as a valuable fertilizer for land. However, the concentration of nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in cattle manure is generally lower compared to poultry waste, which often necessitates the addition of extra nutrients.

Poultry farming, a major industry in the southeastern U.S., is expanding rapidly due to high demand for eggs and meat. As poultry production increases, so does the volume of waste generated. Poultry producers typically use commercial manure haulers to manage waste or may recycle the litter if it is free of disease. Nevertheless, poultry waste, which includes feces, feathers, bedding, medications, and water, poses significant safety concerns. While it is rich in nutrients, poultry litter may also contain harmful pathogens and heavy metals, which pose environmental risks.

The safety information regarding poultry litter is often inconsistent across technical reports and scholarly articles, making it challenging for farmers to safeguard crops within agricultural fields where it is applied and water quality in adjoining watersheds. Improper management of poultry waste can lead to contamination of drinking water sources and contact recreation in rivers, lakes, and streams, presenting public health risks.

At South Carolina Algae LLC, we are experts in the effective management and reprocessing of animal waste to produce a sustainable solution of safe, high-quality fertilizer. Using our patented Eco-solids  technology, we can convert this waste into a safe-product free from pathogens and heavy metals, ensuring that all nutrients are recycled for land application and improving soil productivity.

References:

  1. Kyakuwaire, M., Olupot, G., Amoding, A., Nkedi-Kizza, P., & Basamba, T. A. (2019). How Safe is Chicken Litter for Land Application as an Organic Fertilizer? A Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(19), 3521.
  2. EPA  . Literature Review of Contaminants in Livestock and Poultry Manure and Implications for Water Quality.EPA; Washington, DC, USA: 2013. EPA 820-R-13-002.
  3. X . Li, J.B. Payne, F.B. Santos, J.F. Levine, K.E. Anderson, B.W. Sheldon. Salmonella Populations and Prevalence in Layer Feces from Commercial High-Rise Houses and Characterization of the Salmonella Isolates by Serotyping, Antibiotic Resistance Analysis, and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (2007). Poultry Science. 86(3).