Results so far are promising and show that application of poultry litter alone is economically justifiable under normal circumstances. On average, yield increases that come from applying extra nitrogen do not offset the cost of the fertilizer. In corn and soybeans, fertilizer can easily account for 25 to 30 percent of a grower's cost. Economically, it is a critical component. If it is not actually needed, then it is a waste not only of money but also of time and labor.
Poultry litter is put out before a crop is planted.
Farmers have to stop about every eight acres to refill hoppers with fertilizer. If a grower only has to put out seed, he can go for about 20 acres without stopping. I cut my P and K down dramatically. I didn't think that was possible. Historically my land has had high P and K indexes, and I wanted to maintain those levels, but Ben showed me that wasn't environmentally sound.