The price of P2O5 and K20 are .25 and .15, respectively. Using these prices, and the average nutrient values, we can determine the value of nutrients in a ton of broiler litter. This figure represents the total value, not the value of plant nutrients that will be available for plant use. Much of the soluble nitrogen is lost before it enters the soil. In the organic forms, the nitrogen is tied up and microorganisms are required to release the nitrogen for plant use.
Organic nitrogen is released to the soil solution slowly over time.
Organic N is released by microorganisms. Microorganism activity is determined by temperature, moisture, soil pH and other factors. Their greatest activity is in warm weather with sufficient moisture. This means that organic N is released faster in the summer, followed by spring, fall and then winter. N. Organic N will provide for a long term, slow release nitrogen source.