Transport of dissolved trace elements in surface runoff and leachate from a Coastal Plain soil after poultry litter application

Abstract

Abstract:The application of poultry (Gallus gallus domesticus) litter to agricultural soils may exacerbate losses of trace elements in runoff water, an emerging concern to water quality. We evaluated trace elements (arsenic [As], mercury [Hg], selenium [Se], and zinc [Zn]) in surface runoff and leachate from an agricultural soil with and without poultry litter application. Litter from a commercial operation was applied by three methods-broadcast application, subsurface placement, and broadcast application followed by disking-to no-till soils with a history of receiving litter. Soil monolith lysimeters (61 by 61 by 61 cm)(24 by 24 by 24 in) were extracted from each of the treatments and subjected to rainfall simulation (1 hour, 61 mm h -1 [2.4 in hr ) of As and Zn in runoff during the first event relative to other application methods. Notably, incorporating litter, either by disking after broadcasting or by subsurface placement, lowered As and Zn in runoff to near background levels by the second event, and there were no significant differences in As and Zn between any of the treatments. While Hg and Se were detected in runoff, they likely derived from edaphic sources as they were not detected in the litter nor did they differ significantly between treatments. Results point to poultry litter as a temporary source of some trace elements to runoff. This source can be readily controlled by adjusting application method.

The effect of rare earth elements on phosphorus leaching in intact soil columns

“…These concentrations were comparable to the values reported in similar studies, except for the Matapeake soils, where peak DP concentrations were as high as 15 mg L -1 , likely reflecting the higher manure application rate used in those studies (Kleinman et al 2005;Kibet et al 2013).…”

“…Concentrations of DP in leachate spiked after the first leaching event when manure was applied and then declined with subsequent leaching events (figure 2) except in the Matapeake soils where concentrations only increased slightly in event 2. This general pattern of "first flush" leaching of DP in the initial events after manure is applied followed by decreases in concentration for subsequent events is typical for DP, both with and without amendments to control its movement (Kleinman et al 2005;Kibet et al 2013;Liang et al 2012;Wang et al 2011b). …”

Poultry litter and the environment: Physiochemical properties of litter and soil during successive flock rotations and after remote site deposition

“…procedures provided a reduction in their occurrence(Han et al 2000;Pirani et al 2006;Toor et al 2009;Kibet et al 2013). These data clearly demonstrate that PCOs and TCOs can substantially reduce the risk for the potential associated pollution of the environment related to these parameters in and around the poultry production facilities.…”

Effects of Different Zinc Sources on Performance, Bio Distribution of Minerals and Expression of Genes Related to Metabolism of Broiler Chickens

“…In addition, Zn-methionine supplementation in broiler chickens had higher bioavailability than inorganic Zn which absorbed through amino acid transport systems, resulting in higher bioavailability [32]. High concentrations of Zn in poultry excreta due to their lower bioavailability cause environmental pollution and soil phytotoxicity when these excreta used as fertilizers and the high bioavailability of organic and nano-Zn will decrease Zn excretion [33]. Similarly, several studies reported that supplementation of organic minerals for broiler diets can improve the mineral uptake, enhance gain and reduce the excretion of minerals [34,35].…”