WASTE TO WEALTH - CONVERSION OF POULTRY LITTER FROM RAW FORM TO PELLETED ORGANIC FERTILIZER

Abstract

A review of the use of pelletized poultry litter for creation of wealth through use as organic fertilizer was done, using information from literature and data from field observation. Poultry wastes, which are a menace to the environment, are sources of wealth creation, especially for organic farming. There is an abundance of poultry wastes in Nigeria, as about 932.5 metric tonnes of poultry manure is produced annually from the well-established poultry houses which keep expanding at the rate of 8% per year. Also, global trend is shifting to organic fertilizer as the use of chemical fertilizer over the years has destroyed our soil. Organic fertilizer has much organic content, which can rejuvenate the already destroyed soil. Not only that, organic fertilizer is safe for human health. Pelletized poultry litter would compete successfully as a soil conditioner or soil amendment. It would also be priced competitively, as it provides a unique mixture of nutrients and conditioning properties. Consequently, there is more poultry farming profitability, efficient resources utilization and conservation of environment due to waste management.