Nutrient Availability to Corn From Dairy Manures and Fertilizer in a Calcareous Soil

Abstract

The expansion of the dairy industry in southern Idaho has led to increased application of manures to meet crop nutrient demands that can alter the uptake pattern of both macronutrients and micronutrients. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effects of dairy manure, composted dairy manure, and fertilizer (monoammonium phosphate) application on soil test phosphorus (P), microbial activity, and nutrient uptake by silage corn (Zea mays). Two Portneuf soils, having either a low or high soil test P concentration, were amended with the three treatments at four application rates (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg P kg j1 ) with four replications of each treatment in a randomized complete design. Treatments were incubated for 2 weeks, then planted with corn grown for approximately 3 weeks. Soil samples were analyzed before planting, whereas plant samples were analyzed at the end of the growing period. Increases in Olsen P from P additions were greatest in the monoammonium phosphate and least in the manure-treated soils. Plant dry matter production and tissue P concentration did not differ with treatment. Tissue K increased with manure and compost addition, whereas tissue Ca decreased; there was also a decrease in tissue Mg with compost application. Tissue Zn increased with manure applications, whereas tissue Mn decreased with manure and compost application on the low-P soil. It is important to consider plant nutrient interactions when applying manure and compost to forage crops as imbalances in K, Ca, and Mg can have a negative impact on animal health.

Evaluating Dairy Manure as Initial Fertility Driver for Mudflat Soil Amendment

“…The DMA increased CEC of mudflat soil, probably due to increasing soil OM content [28,29]. In this study, the pH of mudflat soil did not show significant variation between treatments, which is in agreement with findings by Leytem et al [30]. Previous studies found soil pH increased with dairy manure application in alum shale soil [12] and Rosholt soil [31], and did not change in Plano soil [31].…”

Soil–Plant Nutrient Interactions on Manure‐Enriched Calcareous Soils

“…Warman and Cooper (2000) reported lower Mn forage tissue concentrations in compost treatments than fertilizer treatments. Leytem et al (2011) also documented decreased Mn uptake for corn grown on manure and compost‐treated soils in comparison to P fertilizer. Leytem et al (2011) suggested that the decrease in Mn tissue concentration may have been attributed to Mn complexation by organic acids in the manure.…”

“…Parsons et al (2007) found significant reductions in Ca uptake by wheat receiving manure applications in comparison to fertilizer or an unamended control. The authors noted that Ca uptake may have been hindered by competition with K. Leytem et al (2011) also found reduced Ca uptake in corn with increasing dairy manure application rates. In addition to cation competition, the authors suggested that the reduction in Ca uptake on manure‐treated soils may also be related to the formation of Ca‐phosphate precipitates.…”

“…In contrast, P–Zn interactions have not been as apparent in relation to manure sources of P. In fact, many researchers have documented increased Zn tissue concentration and Zn uptake in relation to manure applications (Leytem et al, 2011; Pagliari et al, 2009; Raj and Gupta, 1986; Wong et al, 1999). Increased Zn has been attributed to (i) manures containing significant amounts of Zn and (ii) organic acids from manures that may serve as Zn‐chelating agents for the plant (Stevenson and Ardkani, 1972; García‐Mina et al, 2004).…”

Carbon mineralization and nutrient availability in calcareous sandy soils amended with woody waste biochar

“…Thus, there is a need to find an appropriate soil management strategy that could reduce inorganic fertilization and enhance soil fertility. Nutrient-enriched manure is commonly applied as a cost-effective alternative to inorganic fertilizers (Moore et al, 2014;Leytem et al, 2011). Manure treatment in calcareous soils could be a promising strategy for maintaining soil OM and improve soil physical and biochemical properties (Zhao et al, 2009).…”