What natural fertilizer product has the most organic matter? How much will I need to apply of one product versus another? Variations in consistency between products like chicken litter can make precise calculations difficult, but we have put together the below table based on several independent data sources to help you try to assess your options as a farmer.

Biosolids like Bloom, chicken litter, and compost can all enrich the soil by adding organic matter that increases nutrient and water holding capacity and improves soil structure. All 3 products also offer affordable macro and micro nutrients in slow-release form, although chicken litter may also contain a significant amount of ammoniacal nitrogen (quicker release). They also all offer a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.

There are importance differences, however. While chicken litter can sometimes contain higher amounts of nutrients than a biosolids product like Bloom, it can also be lower. Its nutrient content is highly variable based on its source. It can also contain contaminants like arsenic and pathogens like E Coli. There is no oversight and testing required of chicken litter or other manure based products, making it a literal and figurative crap shoot to know what you’re getting!

A handful of fresh Bloom

Fresh Bloom

A handful of chicken litter

Chicken litter

A handful of compost

Compost

On the other hand, Bloom meets and typically exceeds the EPA’s rigorous standards for Class A, Exceptional Quality biosolids and are internally tested daily and tested by an independent third party monthly. It’s worth noting also that Bloom’s Class A EQ distinction means it meets a much higher standard than Class B biosolids, which are also treated but can contain much higher levels of detectable pathogens, must be incorporated right away, and require a lag time between application and harvesting of edible crops as a result.

Compost, meanwhile, is generally low in pathogens and heavy metals, but can often contain debris such as plastic and introduce unwanted weed seeds and mushroom spores into your fields, and is typically much more costly.

We have compiled some relevant independent sources of information and referenced them in the footnotes below to help you make an informed choice in how you improve your soil and fertilize your crops. Contact us to consult with one of our agriculture specialists or set up a free sample of Bloom for the farm!

BloomPoultry Litter/ManureCompost
NPK (wet weight)Guaranteed minimum
NPK of 1.5-1.5-0
Highly variable: Ranges from
2.6–5.3 P: 0.6–3.9 K: 0.7-5.77
Ranges; nutrient content highly variable.
Leafgro ~1-.5 -12
Plant available nitrogen (PAN; lb/ton)~9~20-423
Organic Matter (dry weight)63%46–92%732-41%5
Moisture Content70%~21-40%340-50%
Pathogens & heavy metalsMeets or exceeds all EPA standards for Class A Exceptional Quality biosolidsNot regulated; may contain pathogens such as E Coli or fecal coliform and arsenic1Have to meet 503 metals and pathogens
Weed seedsNoneMay contain1May contain
OdorModerateStrongLow
Delivered costAs low as $4/ton, free deliveryVaries, subsidies available$10-20/cubic yard or more
Application ratesGeneral rule of thumb, 10 tons/acre in accordance with NMPVaries; 3-6 tons/acre for example recommended for hay6Highly variable; for non-farm use Leafgro suggests 50% incorporation rate
pH~86.3-8.47Leafgro ~6.8-7.22