The agricultural importance of wild goose droppings

Abstract

Production of manure per bird per day was estimated to range from 175 gms. for the English Canada Goose to 58 gms. for the Barnacle Goose. Droppings were analysed to determine their chemical composition. This was found to reflect the soil and crop on which the birds were feeding and perhaps to some extent their own physiological requirements. On a dry weight basis, content averaged 2.2 % N2, 1.0% P2O5 and 2.0 % K2O. Production at this rate and of this quality will not make any significant difference to the soil chemicals and is usually not additive. Rarely trace elements or phosphates may be brought in by geese to land deficient in them. The organic content may help in the maintenance of a good tilth. The accumulation of droppings at goose roosts on inland freshwater lakes is probably sufficient materially to affect the fertility of the water. 'Fouling' and contamination by droppings are not important on present evidence.