Poultry Manure Application Time Impact on Corn Grain Production in a Crider Silt Loam

Abstract

Adopting proper management practices for poultry litter (PL) is critical to increase N efficiency, maximize yield, and reduce negative environmental impacts. This study investigated the effects of application time (fall and spring) of two PL rates (9.0 and 18.0 Mg ha j1 ) and commercial N-P-K fertilizer blend (224 kg N ha j1 , 84 kg P ha j1 , 145.6 kg K ha j1 ) on selected soil properties and corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield in Central Kentucky. Application time response was measured by grain yield, whole plant nutrient concentrations and uptake, and soil nutrients availabilities. Application time of the PL and commercial fertilizer did not influence grain yield or plant nutrient concentrations and uptake. Grain yield was increased by the two PL rates, and no difference was found among the PL and commercial fertilizer. Whole plant uptake and concentrations of N, P, and K increased when PL plant available N-P-K increased. Soil inorganic N was 17% (18 kg ha j1 ) greater from spring than fall applications of the high PL rate when sampled midseason. Application time did not influence inorganic N at the low PL rate. Greater soil available K resulted from fall than spring applications of the PL, but Mehlich 3 available P was not influenced by PL application time. Results indicate that fall applications of PL have equal potential as spring applications without compromising plant available nutrients and yield. In addition, the low PL rate was adequate in N, P, and K to meet the soil's requirement for optimum yield, without significant nutrient accumulation and loss.

Fall‐ and Spring‐Applied Poultry Litter Effectiveness as Corn Fertilizer in the Mid‐Southern United States

“…This likely is because the organic form of litter N has to undergo mineralization before it is subject to loss. But the reduction of about 15% grain and biomass yield if the litter is applied in the fall is substantial considering fall‐applied litter in colder regions does not lead to yield reduction (Jn‐Baptiste et al, 2012; Ruiz Diaz and Sawyer, 2008). Overall, our results suggest up to 15% grain yield reduction should be expected if poultry litter is applied in the fall in regions with similar environments as that of northern Mississippi with an added risk of adverse environmental effects which have not been determined in this study.…”

“…In Iowa, Ruiz Diaz and Sawyer (2008) reported that corn fertilized with fall‐ or winter‐applied chicken ( Gallus gallus ) and turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo ) manure produced equal grain yield as corn fertilized with spring‐applied manure. Similarly, in Kentucky, Jn‐Baptiste et al (2012) reported that the grain yield of corn fertilized with poultry litter was not affected whether the litter was applied in the fall or spring.…”

Poultry Litter Time and Method of Application Effects on Corn Yield

“…The warmer fall and winter Alabama temperatures are conducive for rapid mineralization of organic matter from the PL. This is unlike locations such as Iowa, where soil temperatures are usually below 10-C during fall and winter, and even milder temperatures such as Kentucky, which allow for reduced nitrification and N losses (Killorn and Lorimor, 2003;Kyveryga et al, 2004;Jn-Baptiste et al, 2012). In addition, greater NO 3 -N losses occur through leaching from longer periods of nitrification before plant uptake (Randall and Vetsch, 2005).…”

“…More so, planting time becomes critical because of wet springs, which allow small windows of opportunity for planting and is less favorable for land preparation (Ruiz Diaz and Sawyer, 2008;Randall et al, 2003). Fall application was as effective as in spring on corn grain yield in regions with cold winters, such as Iowa (Ruiz Dias and Sawyer, 2008), and even regions with milder winters, such as Kentucky (Jn-Baptiste et al, 2012); however, in warmer regions such as northern Mississippi, significantly lower corn grain yield was obtained from fall than spring-applied PL (Tewolde and Sistani, 2010). Documentation of research for PL application timing on corn in northern Alabama is limited or absent altogether.…”

Effects of Poultry-Litter Biochar on Soil Properties and Growth of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.)

“…However, the production of chemical fertilizers needs to use non-renewable resources and is an energy consumption process. To achieve sustainable development of agriculture, the nutrients in livestock manure need to be recycled and reused to meet the need of fertilizers for Sustainability 2018, 10, 2536 2 of 17 crop production [4,5]; at the same time, methods of properly managing livestock manure need to be developed to avoid potential problems such as the emissions of odorous gases to local residential areas [6], and the release of heavy metals in livestock manure to the environment.…”