Poultry litter and livestock manure can be lower cost sources of phosphorus and potassium for pastures or hayfields that are low in these nutrients and not excessive in zinc, copper, or other minerals. However, once phosphorus and potassium levels have been built up to target levels, additional applications of poultry litter and livestock manure will likely not be cost effective. Additionally, over application of poultry litter and livestock manure can create mineral imbalances (e.g., an inverse Ca to P ratio in forages) and excessive levels of certain minerals that can reduce animal performance or even contribute to animal mortality.
