Soil Characteristics and Corn Yield as Affected by Previous Applications of Poultry Manure

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of previous applications of poultry manure on yield and growth of corn and soil characteristics was studied on Elkton loamy sand. Plots with six levels of poultry manure (0, 22, 56, 90, 168, and 224 metric tons/ha) and a fertilizer treatment [224‐5‐186 kg/ha (N‐P‐K)] and 22 metric tons/ha poultry manure plus 224‐5‐168 kg/ha (N‐P‐K) were established with four replications in 1971. These amendments were applied for 3 years (1971, 1972, and 1973). Corn (Zea mays L.) was grown each year on these plots including 1974 and 1975; however, no soil amendments were applied in 1974 and 1975.Soil analysis of 1974 samples indicate that soil salinity resulting from previous poultry manure application was reduced substantially over the winter due to the leaching rain. As a result of the reduction in soil salinity, yield of corn did not experience the typical reduction when poultry manure was being applied. This indicates that excessive application of poultry manure will only be a problem in Delaware's sandy coastal plain soils in the year of application with respect to corn yield.Ear leaf at silking, whole plant, and grain samples indicated no toxicity problem as a result of previous applications of poultry manure.