Environmental and Production Consequences of Using Alum‐Amended Poultry Litter as a Nutrient Source for Corn

Abstract

Field trials were established to compare alum-treated poultry litter (ATPL), normal poultry litter (NPL), and triple superphosphate (TSP) as fertilizer sources for corn (Zea mays L.) when applied at rates based on current litter management strategies in Virginia. Trials were established in the Costal Plain and Piedmont physiographic regions near Painter and Orange, VA, respectively. Nitrogen-based applications of ATPL or NPL applied at rates estimated to supply 173 kg of plant-available nitrogen (PAN) ha(-1) resulted in significantly lower grain yields than treatments receiving commercial fertilizer at the same rate in 2000 and 2001 at Painter. These decreases in grain yield at the N-based application rates were attributed to inadequate N availability, resulting from overestimates of PAN as demonstrated by tissue N concentrations. However, at Orange no treatment effects on grain yield were observed. Applications of ATPL did not affect Al concentrations in corn ear-leaves at either location. Exchangeable soil Al concentrations were most elevated in treatments receiving only NH4NO3 as an N source. At N-based application rates, the ATPL resulted in lower Mehlich 1-extractable P (M1-P) and water-extractable soil phosphorus (H2O-P) concentrations compared to the application of NPL. A portion of this reduction could be attributed to lower rates of P applied in the N-based ATPL treatments. Runoff collected from treatments which received ATPL 2 d before conducting rainfall simulations contained 61 to 71% less dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) than treatments receiving NPL. These results show that ATPL may be used as a nutrient source for corn production without significant management alterations. Alum-treated poultry litter can also reduce the environmental impact of litter applications, primarily through minimizing the P status of soils receiving long-term applications of litter and reductions in runoff DRP losses shortly after application.

Crop productivity and nutrient uptake of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) as influenced by integrated nutrient management

“…Poultry manure treatments along the lower level of NPK produced higher values for plant height, leaf area index and biomass of corn and crop grain yield (Boateng et al, 2006). Integration of poultry manure with synthetic chemical fertilizers can enhance the efficiency of nutrients uptake and availability to crop plant (Warren et al, 2006). Chemical fertilizers have deleterious effect on soil fertility, while integration of chemical fertilizers with organic manures and bio-fertilizers would be able to maintain soil fertility and sustain crop productivity (Jeyabal et al, 2000).…”

Assessment of Alum (Aluminium Sulphate) Treated SurfaceRunoff as Irrigation Water on the Growth and Development of Zea mays L

“…Similarly, plant growth has been restricted due to aluminium toxicity by phosphorus deficiencies induced by the ability of alum to adsorb phosphorus in soil medium and convert it into forms unavailable for plant growth [22]; [6]. In addition, root cells show sensitivity to Al 3+ toxicity by a reduction in lateral root size [24]; [3]. This reduction in the activity of the root cells may be due to reduction in both new cell formation and cell elongation in the extension region of the root [25].…”

“…Aluminium toxicity is one of the major factors that can limit the growth and development of plants in acidic growth medium, such that root cells and plasma membrane are seriously affected [26]; [27]. Strong interaction of Al which is the main Al toxic form with oxygen donor ligand results in the inhibition of cell division, cell extension and transport [3]. In addition, at the cellular and molecular level, many cells components are implicated in Al toxicity including DNA in nucleus, numerous cytoplasmic components and mitochondria [27]; [28].…”

“…Again, the level of Aluminium Sulphate used in water treatment by some local farmers may not meet the environmental safety standard. Although, Aluminium Sulphate is sometimes used to reduce the pH of garden soil [3], plant growth and development can be disrupted due to Aluminium (Al) toxicity in most strongly acidic soils [4].…”

Mineral Nutrition and Quality of Maiz (Zea Mays L.) as Affected by Household Waste Compost, Poultry Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers

“…Poultry manure application registered over 53% increases of N level in the soil, from 0.09% to 0.14% and exchangeable cations increase with manure application [11]. In agriculture, the main reasons for applying poultry manure include the organic amendment of the soil and the provision of nutrients to crops [12]. An experiment conducted by Amanullah et al [13] indicated that application of poultry manure registered higher uptake of NPK than control in cassava.…”