Poultry Litter and Manure Management

Proper management of poultry litter and manure is critical to maintaining agricultural profitability and sustainability, as well as environmental quality. The resources on this page are available to guide proper litter and manure management by poultry growers, crop producers, and nutrient consultants in Delaware.

Poultry Grower Resources

Video Resources

Fact Sheets

Other Resources

Poultry Litter and Manure Testing (available free for DE residents by the DE Department of Agriculture - Agriculture Compliance Laboratory)

Animal Waste Management Plan Resources

Delaware farmers with more than 8 animal units (1 animal unit = 1,000 lb live weight) must have a valid animal waste management plan. Delaware Certified Nutrient Generators can write their own animal waste management plan, unless the operation is a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO). Animal waste management plans for CAFOs MUST be written by a DE Certified Nutrient Consultant.

Animal Waste Management Plan Template (Printable and fillable PDF)
Poultry Litter Quantity Estimate by University of Maryland
Manure Quantity Estimation by University of Maryland

Land Application of Poultry Litter and Livestock Manure

In Delaware, the application of nutrients (as manure or fertilizer) is prohibited between December 7th and February 15th, or any time the ground is frozen or snow covered.

Temporary Field Storage of Poultry Litter

Video Resources

Field Staging of Poultry Litter Video Image

Fact Sheets

Important Manure and Litter Facts

Manure and poultry litter testing is free to Delaware residents through the Delaware Department of Agriculture: Agriculture Compliance Laboratory
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In Delaware, fertilizer and manure can not be applied between December 7 and February 15.
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