Industry and Investment NSW has worked with Hunter Dairy Development Group and poultry farmers to test for nutrients and heavy metals in poultry litter used as a fertiliser.

They set out to see if changes in the way chickens are housed and fed made any difference to the fertiliser value of manure.

District agronomist Neil Griffiths said, “Results showed that there are differences between broiler, turkey and layer manures and that change in housing and feeding practices has reduced the amount of phosphorus in broiler litter.

Mr Griffiths said if used sensibly then poultry litter was a valuable fertiliser.

Valuable information including farmer and industry presentations on litter production, results of the 2011 litter test and animal health issues will be discussed at the field day.

The field day will begin at 10am on Tuesday April 19 at Tocal Agricultural Centre.