Tuesday, 8 November 2005
16

Alum-Treated Poultry Litter as a Nutrient Source for Tall Fescue and Its Effect on Soil Phosphorus Status.

Jason Warren, Steven Phillips, and Gregory Mullins. Virginia Tech, Eastern Shore AREC, 33446 Research Dr., Painter, VA 23420

The purpose of this four year study was to evaluate the production consequences of using alum-treated poultry litter (ATPL) as a nutrient source for tall fescue and evaluate changes resulting changes in soil P status. Plots were established in the spring of 2000 at the Orange, VA on a Davidson loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Kandiudult). Treatments included the application of ATPL, normal poultry litter (NPL) or triple superphosphate (TSP). These P sources were applied at rates based on the nitrogen requirement of the crop, P crop removal, or soil test P recommendations. During the four years of this study applications of ATPL resulted in P uptake similar to that found in treatments receiving NPL. No significant differences in Mehlich 1 soil P were found between the two litter sources. However, ammonium oxalate extractable P was significantly elevated in treatments receiving ATPL verses that found in treatments receiving NPL when means were pooled across application rates. A soil P fractionation procedure reveal significantly decreased H2O extractable inorganic P concentrations in soils receiving N-based rates of ATPL compared to equivalent applications of NPL. Also, the fraction of soil P extracted with 0.1 M NaOH, and then precipitated or otherwise made non-reactive with molybdate blue after acidification was significantly elevated in treatments which had received ATPL compared to those receiving NPL or TSP irregardless of P application rate. These results show that ATPL does not adversely affect fescue P uptake. Also, ATPL can have an impact of the form of P found in soils receiving long term applications. However these differences may not be detected through routine soil analysis.

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