Composted chicken manure provides a slow-release source of macro- and micronutrients and acts as a soil amendment. Compared to other manures, chicken manure and the associated litter are higher in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and calcium, and are also rich in organic matter. Addition of organic matter to soils increases a soils water-holding capacity, improves aeration and drainage, reduces erosion, reduces fertilizer leaching and improves a soils structure. Additionally, organic matter provides a food source for soil microbes, which increases soil biological diversity, accelerating the breakdown of organic nutrients into forms more readily available to plants. All of these factors can improve plant health. The use of composted manure and litter can also reduce the need to apply additional fertilizers.