Impact of poultry litter application on alfalfa grown in Mississippi

Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States requires enhanced soil fertility management to capitalize on increased dry matter yield and nutritive value. Poultry litter (PL) is an abundant fertilizer source that has been recognized as an economical choice for pasture and hay production. A field trial was established in east‐central Mississippi in which PL and inorganic fertilizer sources were compared in three alfalfa cultivars in 2018 and 2019. Fertilizer treatments included (a) 2 ton PL acre−1 (Treatment 1); (b) 4 ton PL acre−1 (Treatment 2); (c) inorganic N, P, and K delivered at similar rates to Treatment 1; and (d) inorganic P, and K (no N) supplied at same rates as Treatment 3. The cultivars were Bulldog 505, Bulldog 805, and AlfaGraze 600RR. Forage mass (FM), plant persistence (PER), nutritive value [crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and relative forage quality (RFQ)], and economic comparisons were conducted. Repeated measures analysis observed no differences between cultivars or treatments for FM, PER, or CP. Bulldog 505 had superior TDN and RFQ values for 7 out of 11 total harvests. Plots with applied PL (2 or 4 ton acre−1) recorded greater TDN values than inorganic sources in 4 of 11 harvests. In 2018, Bulldog 505 produced the lowest cost per ton ($96.29 ton−1); in 2019, similar costs were observed between Bulldog 505 ($147.57 ton−1) and Bulldog 805 ($147.96 ton−1). Poultry litter sources resulted in the lowest cost per ton for both years of the trial.

Stocker cattle performance on interseeded alfalfa bermudagrass pastures in Mississippi

“…(1992) and Rushing et al. (2020) reported significant stand reductions after 2 yr of production in southeastern Louisiana and east‐central Mississippi, respectively. In terms of grazing, Cassida et al.…”

“…Stringer et al (1996) reported CP values of interseeded 'Cimarron' alfalfa without N fertilization exceeded those of 'Tifton-44′ bermu'dagrass monoculture at the 400 lb N acre −1 rate. Morris et al (1992) and Rushing et al (2020) reported significant stand reductions after 2 yr of production in southeastern Louisiana and east-central Mississippi, respectively. In terms of grazing, Cassida et al (2006) reported extended grazing seasons when alfalfa was interseeded into bermudagrass compared with alfalfa as a monoculture.…”

Poultry Litter and Inorganic Fertilization: Effects on Biomass Yield, Metal and Nutrient Concentration of Three Mixed-Season Perennial Forages

“…Poultry litter is an important source of organic fertilizer that is normally surfaceapplied on fields for the improvement of soil quality and increased yield in agricultural production. This is particularly common for pastures and hayfields, where different types of forages are cultivated for ruminant and non-ruminant animal nutrition [1][2][3]. Poultry litter contains valuable nutrients, including trace and non-trace metals, and its application can enhance soil productivity and improve soil quality by improving aggregate formation and stability.…”