Effect of Swine Slurry on Alfalfa Production and on Tissue and Soil Nutrient Concentration

Abstract

surface water pollution are causing swine and dairy producers to reconsider their management strategies (Bo-Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) may not be the most suitable crop det et al., 2001; Soil and Water Conserv. Soc., 1998; to utilize all the manure nutrients, but it may be the best crop available, especially when the crop is dormant. The objective of this research was Dané s et al., 1995). to investigate the effect of swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) slurry manure In several alfalfa-producing areas, alfalfa and maize on alfalfa yield and the concentration of nutrients in soil. A 2-yr field are important irrigated crops, and swine growing is one experiment was initiated in 2001 on two soils: a Typic Xerofluvent of the main animal production activities. Alfalfa has and a Calcixerolic Xerochrept. Soil mineral elements were extracted become an alternative crop although alfalfa fields may with ammonium bicarbonate diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, and not be the best possible location for manure applicainitial extractable P and K were 16.7 and 6 mg P kg Ϫ1 and 152 and tions. As reported by Kelling and Schmitt (1996) in 103 mg K kg Ϫ1 for the two soils, respectively. There were four treat-Wisconsin, topdress applications of manure on alfalfa ments: annual winter applications of 25 and 50 m 3 ha Ϫ1 of swine slurry are often made because of necessity rather than choice. manure, annual fertilization of 32.75 kg P ha Ϫ1 and 125 kg K ha Ϫ1 , These may be the only fields available at some times and a no-manure or fertilizer control. Application of slurry manure in winter was not detrimental to the crop. Manure and fertilizer treat-of the year and, on many farms, the best environmental ments increased alfalfa dry matter (DM) yield 37% on the low-fertility alternative (Kelling and Schmitt, 1996). soil. There was no significant effect of manure or fertilizer on alfalfa Manure application on alfalfa has been considered a DM yield on the Xerofluvent soil. Application of the slurry slightly risky management practice by many because it may increased the soil concentrations of P, Mg, Zn, and Fe in highercause plant injury or stand reduction of the alfalfa due fertility soils and copper in low-fertility soils. The 2-yr results suggest to the salts contained in the manure and physical damthat the application of slurry in soils with low levels of trace elements, age to the crowns during application, mainly in the such as those used in the trials, does not produce a significant buildup wheel-track areas (Kelling and Schmitt, 1996; Lory et of these elements that could lead to an environmental problem.

Nutrients in soil layers under no-tillage after successive pig slurry applications

“…However, in cropping systems where the shoot drymatter is removed from the soil surface, e.g., in the case of some species used in pastures, even with the addition of high amounts of K fertilizers, the concentrations of available K in soil may have a negative balance. This was observed by Lloveras et al (2004) in soils with alfalfa and treated with annual pig slurry applications (0, 25 and 50 m 3 ha -1 ) for two years. Similar results were reported by Ceretta et al (2003) in Paraíso do Sul, RS, where after 28 pig slurry applications in four years and removal of the pasture every time it was cut, even with manure application rates of up to 40 m 3 ha -1 , the available K content was lower than in the area without manuring.…”

“…These results show that there was K transfer by percolation and transfer of available K in runoff was also stated by Ceretta et al (2010). As the shoot dry matter of crops was not withdrawn, the hypothesis of Lloveras et al (2004) that there is great export of K through the shoot dry matter of crops could not be considered in this study. However, it was possible to maintain high levels of available K in the 0-10 cm layer with successive pig slurry applications, considered ideal by the CQFSRS/SC (2004).…”

The chemical properties of soil for alfalfa production after biofertiliser application

“…It is not necessary to fertilise with Cu for alfalfa (WERNER et al, 1997). Lloveras et al (2004) applied swine manure (25 and 50 m 3 ha -1 ) to alfalfa and found similar concentrations of Cu; however, there was no significant increase after manure treatment for poor soil after two years. Additionally, the concentrations of Fe were lower than this study, and showed a significant increase with a treatment of 50 m 3 ha -1 compared to the control soil fertility, which was slightly higher.…”

“…Treatments of 100 and 200 m 3 ha -1 were nearly at a 3:1 ratio. Lloveras et al (2004) If we compare the concentration of Ca and Mg in the soil at the beginning of the experiment (13:06 mmol dm -3 , respectively), we see that all treatments increased in concentration with the application of biofertiliser; however, the concentration was much higher for the 200 and 400 m 3 ha -1 treatments (Figure 2). …”

“…Treatments of 100 and 200 m 3 ha -1 were nearly at a 3:1 ratio. Lloveras et al (2004) applied swine manure (25 and 50 m 3 ha -1 ) to alfalfa and found a significant increase (P> 0.05) in the Mg content of the soil when 50 m 3 ha -1 pig manure was applied.…”