Does Soybean Yield and Seed Nutrient Content Change Due to Broiler Litter Application?

Dennis P Delaney,Rajveer Singh,Dexter B Watts,Rishi Prasad

doi:10.3390/agronomy11081523

Dennis P Delaney, Rajveer Singh + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11081523

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Abstract

Broiler litter (BL) has the potential to be used as an alternative multi-nutrient source for soybean (Glycine max L.) production. While previous research on soybean yield response to BL has reported inconsistent results, the effects of BL application on soybean seed nutrient concentrations are largely unknown or less studied. The objective of this two-year field study was to investigate the effect of BL application on soybean yield and seed nutrient content in three different soil types and production environments. To pursue the objective, a field experiment was established in 2018 in a Compass loamy sand with four BL rates (0, 2.2, 5.6, and 11.2 Mg BL ha−1). In 2019, the study was expanded to include two additional soil types (Decatur silty clay loam and Dothan fine sandy loam) totaling four site years. The experimental design at each site was a randomized complete block with four replications. Application of BL had no impact on soybean yield in the first year, regardless of application rate and soil type. In the second year of BL application, soybean yield was 43% higher overall compared to no BL plots on a Compass loamy sand. However, soybean yield with the application of 5.6 or 11.2 Mg BL ha−1 was not statistically different from that at 2.2 Mg BL ha−1. Soybean seed Ca and B concentrations changed significantly among the treatments; however, the change was not consistent across the sites. Consecutive year application of 11.2 Mg BL ha−1 yr−1 produced the highest seed K and Cu concentrations. The results of this research suggest that repeated BL application can boost soybean yield and potentially enrich seed with selected nutrients.

Highlights

The broiler chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) industry has expanded rapidly in the United States from 10 billion pounds of broilers produced in 1968 to about 60 billion pounds in 2018 [1]
Smith Research Center (EVS); Wiregrass Research and Extension Center (WREC); Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center (TVREC). †† Means followed by the different letter within a column are statistically different at p ≤ 0.05
Repeating the broiler litter (BL) application to the same plots in the succeeding year significantly increased soybean yield compared with control

Summary

Introduction

The broiler chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) industry has expanded rapidly in the United States from 10 billion pounds of broilers produced in 1968 to about 60 billion pounds in 2018 [1]. The industry generates a by-product known as broiler litter (BL) which is a mixture of chicken excreta and bedding material. 1.1 to 1.5 kg litter is generated per broiler chicken [2]. Broiler litter is a valuable source of essential plant nutrients [3]. Much of the BL produced is land-applied as an alternative source of nitrogen (N), and to improve soil organic matter in row crop production systems such as cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.). Soils in the southeast USA are highly eroded, low in organic matter, and have low water holding capacities. Addition of BL to such soils increase the soil organic matter [4] improving soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, and subsequently overall soil health [5,6]

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