Feather Meal 13-0-0 slow-release organic nitrogen
Feather Meal 13-0-0 organic, slow-release nitrogen for crop nutrition
High-analysis organic nitrogen. Built to last in the soil.
SoilWorx Feather Meal is a concentrated organic nitrogen crop nutrition source derived from hydrolysed poultry feathers produced at our Newry plant. With a nitrogen analysis of 13%, it delivers one of the highest nitrogen concentrations available in an organic product, without the leaching risk that comes with soluble mineral nitrogen.
Unlike fast-acting synthetic nitrogen that floods the soil and then disappears, feather meal releases nitrogen gradually as soil microorganisms break down the protein chains. The result is a sustained, season-long nitrogen supply that feeds crops at the pace they need, while leaving more of the applied N in the soil where it belongs.
Product specifications
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Parameter
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Value
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|---|---|
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Total Nitrogen
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13.8 %w/w
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P2O5
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0.9 %w/w
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K2O
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0.2 %w/w
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Nitrogen form
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Organic (protein-bound)
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Crude protein
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Approximately 80%
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Origin
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Hydrolysed poultry feathers (UK)
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Pack sizes
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600 kg and 1,250 kg bulk bags
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Application method
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Broadcast spreader or incorporation
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Why choose Feather Meal for organic nitrogen?
Slow, sustained release. Feather meal’s high protein content (typically 80%+ crude protein) must be broken down by soil bacteria before nitrogen becomes plant-available. This process mirrors natural nutrient cycling and substantially reduces the risk of nitrogen losses through leaching or volatilisation. This is a critical advantage for crop nutrition in light soils or in high-rainfall conditions.
- Soil biology benefits. The breakdown of feather meal stimulates microbial activity, contributing to long-term soil health improvements beyond the immediate nitrogen supply. It feeds the soil food web, not just the crop.
- Suitable for organic systems. Feather meal is compatible with certified organic production where synthetic nitrogen is prohibited. It provides the nitrogen performance that organic systems often struggle to achieve from slower-acting manure-based products alone.
Crop applications
Feather meal is suitable for any crop requiring a sustained organic nitrogen source: cereals, oilseed rape, grassland renovation, brassicas and vegetable production. Its slow-release profile makes it particularly suited to base dressing applications ahead of planting or early in the growing season, where nitrogen demand builds gradually over several weeks.
For crops requiring a rapid in-season nitrogen boost, combine with Liquid N or consult our team for further information.
Application rates & timing
As a base dressing, apply at 250–400 kg per ha ahead of planting or at early establishment, depending on crop nitrogen requirement and existing soil nitrogen supply. This delivers approximately 33–52 kg N/ha. Use our Fertiliser Calculator for crop-specific recommendations.
Apply February–March for spring crops, or autumn for winter crops ahead of sowing. Incorporate lightly where practical to reduce surface volatilisation.
Organic & conventional use
Feather meal from hydrolysed poultry feathers is permitted as an organic input under EU and UK organic regulations. Always verify with your certifying body (e.g., Organic Trust, Soil Association) before use in a certified organic system.
For conventional systems, feather meal is an effective slow-release nitrogen component within an integrated crop nutrition plan.
Compare nitrogen sources
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Product
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N analysis
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Release speed
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Best use
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|---|---|---|---|
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Variable
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Rapid (hours, foliar)
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In-season top-up, fertigation
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13- 0-0
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Slow (weeks– months)
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Base dressing, season-long supply
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8-2-2
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Slow–medium
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Base dressing with P&K, grassland, cereals
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Frequently asked questions
How does feather meal differ from N-Boost 8-2-2?
N-Boost is a pelletised poultry manure product with an NPK of 8-2-2, providing nitrogen alongside phosphorus and potassium. Feather Meal at 13-0-0 is a nitrogen-only product with a higher N concentration, better suited where potassium and phosphorus are already adequate in the soil and only nitrogen needs supplementing.
Is feather meal crop nutrition approved for organic farming?
Feather meal from hydrolysed poultry feathers is permitted as an organic input under EU and UK organic regulations. Always verify with your certifying body (e.g., Organic Trust, Soil Association) before use in a certified organic system.
What application rate should I use?
Application rates vary by crop nitrogen requirement and existing soil nitrogen supply. As a guide, 250–400 kg per ha delivers approximately 33–52 kg N/ha. Use our Fertiliser Calculator for crop-specific recommendations, or contact our agronomic team.
About SoilWorx
SoilWorx is produced at the UK and Ireland’s largest organic fertiliser plant in Newry, Northern Ireland, part of a circular economy that transforms agricultural by-products into high-value fertilisers. Find out more about how we make our products.
Enquire about Feather Meal 13-0-0
Contact our team to discuss specification, application rates and trade pricing. Or use the Fertiliser Calculator for rate guidance.