Microorganisms are very beneficial to soils. They convert nutrients that are unavailable to plants into a form plants can use. They also provide for the nitrogen-fixing ability for legumes as well as many other functions. Broiler litter also has several disadvantages. Litter has an odor for a short time after being applied to soil, especially the first time it gets wet.
Broiler litter is also very bulky and contains varying amounts of moisture.
The excess moisture increases transportation costs. The nutrient content of broiler litter also is highly variable.