Effect of rate, frequency and incorporation of feedlot cattle manure on soil nitrogen availability, crop performance and nitrogen use efficiency in east-central Saskatchewan

Abstract

A study was initiated in 1996 in the Black Soil zone in east-central Saskatchewan to examine soil and crop response to application of feedlot cattle manure at different application rates, frequencies and incorporation timing in a sandy loam and loam soil. Three rates of feedlot cattle manure (approx. 100, 200 and 400 kg total N ha-1) were applied annually and under reduced frequency application regimes. Canola (Brassica napus, L.), spring wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.), hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare, L.) and canola were seeded in spring of 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively. Pre-seeding available N (0–60 cm) increased with application rates. Annual application resulted in a linear increase in grain yield with application rates but had no effect on grain N concentration. Cumulative N use efficiency was low (7–10%) with no significant difference among treatments. Single application showed significant residual fertility benefit in the second year but not in the third year except at the high rate. Incorporation timing of feedlot cattle manure had no impact on soil or crop performance. Low availability of N in feedlot cattle manure over the short-term suggests the need for high application rates or addition of supplemental N fertilizer in order to meet crop N requirements. Key words: Feedlot cattle manure, N availability, manure management, N use efficiency