In the News - May 2009
Homespun advice from a veteran county agent
The art of chicken house democracy
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Dad's last instructions of the morning were, "You boys
clean out the chicken house, and then help your mother get the garden
fertilized." Sounds simple enough, but that occasion back in the late 1950s was
my first opportunity to experience the corporate decision-making process.
Older brothers were often nice to have around, but in times like this, little
brothers were simply low man on the totem pole! As the six of us stood inside
the chicken house, surveying the situation and planning strategy, it was obvious
that our older brother would be handling neither scoop nor wheel barrow during
this task.
Much has been said, and will continue to be said about chicken litter, which
I refer to as the original miracle growth product. Most rural, and many in-town
families maintained small flocks for meat or eggs, but the manure served good
purpose as well.
The total amount of this organic fertilizer never seemed to be enough, so the
best gardeners, especially those having boys who needed to be occupied,
maintained a standing offer to clean these small chicken houses for free!
As far as nutrient value, 100 pounds of poultry manure contains the same
amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as 25 pounds of 13-13-13
fertilizer. In addition, it provides a fair amount of sulfur, iron, magnesium,
and most importantly, the vital microorganisms necessary to help soil perform
above its normal potential. Believe me, the sandy soil back home needed all the
help it could get.
Back to the corporate meeting now underway in the chicken house! As older
brother scanned the height of the roost, what lay beneath, and the stature of
his little brothers, all eyes came to rest on me. Just the right size for the
job was his decision, followed by a chorus of ayes from members of the board as
I was handed the scoop.
This winter, I had occasion to sit with older brother in the medical exam
room when a young nurse came in to administer his shot. After taking a look at
the syringe I asked, Don't you have a longer needle? After all, he needs just
the right size for the job! Til next week!
For more information on gardening and fertilizers, contact your county
extension agent. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A
Division of Agriculture.
May 29, 2009
By: Robert Seay
Benton County Extension Agent Staff Chair
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187
ljames@uaex.edu
Related Links
Request an Interview
|
