Nitrogen and Phosphorus Availability in Enriched, Pelletized Poultry Litters

Abstract

The highly concentrated nature of the poultry industry on the Delmarva (Delaware-Maryland-Virginia) peninsula, an area dominated by sandy soils and shallow ground and surface water contamination from N and P in poultry wastes. When poultry litters and fertilizer sales are combined an average excess, beyonf the requirements of agricultural crops, of 48 kg N/ha and 16 kg P/ha is estimated to occur in Delaware annually. Movement of excess poultry wastes to areas of nutrient deficiency is often hindered by their low nutrient content and physical properties. Because manures (and other wastes) are usually wet, bulky materials with low concentrations of the major plant nutrients (N, P, K), large volumes must be handled and transported to provide adequate nutrients for most crops. As handling and transportation costs increase, the distance of transport decreases; hence, manure nutrients are often concentrated in localed areas. Pelletization and enrichment of poultry litters with inorganic fertilizations to give h...