Litter Manure Research Articles

Changes in the content of humus in gray forest soils under long-term fertilization

The effect of different fertilizing systems on the content of humus in gray forest soils of the Opolie region has been studied during three cycles of eightand seven-course crop rotations. At the application of phosphorus–potassium fertilizers and without fertilization, the content of humus in the plow layer has decreased by 0.02% annually in the first rotation cycle and by 0.011% in the second and third cycles. In the first cycle, the addition of 1 t of litter manure and 1 kg of nitrogen increased the humus content by 55 and 9.8 kg, respectively; in the second and third cycles, the humus increment due to the organic and mineral fertilizers decreased by 2–3 times.

Effects of different organic materials on forage yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize (Zea mays L.)

ABSTRACTThe use of organic materials as a source of nutrients on agricultural lands ameliorates soil physical properties as well as being an environmentally friendly way of disposing of their wastes. This study was conducted to determine effects of three organic materials (poultry litter, cattle manure, leonardite) on yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize. Poultry litter and cattle manure were applied based on phosphorus (P) or nitrogen (N) requirements of the crop whereas leonardite was applied only one dose (500 kg ha−1) and also combined with three inorganic fertilizer doses (100%, 75%, 50% of recommended inorganic fertilizer dose). According to the results, the highest green herbage yield and nutrient uptake values were observed in LEO-100 whereas N-based treatments significantly decreased yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize. The use of organic materials as a combination with inorganic fertilizer in silage maize cultivation is highly beneficial for sustainable forage production.

Additive effects of earthworms, nitrogen-rich litter and elevated soil temperature on N2O emission and nitrate leaching from an arable soil

The future nicrease of soil temperatures will affect the activity of decomposer organisms, potentially enhancing element cycling and greenhouse gas (i.e. CO2 and N2O) emissions. In a three-factorial microcosm experiment, we investigated the effects of the incorporation of N-rich green manure litter (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) into an arable soil, of the presence of endogeic earthworms and of elevated soil temperatures (+3.5°C) on C and N cycling over a period of 42 days. Effects of litter addition were most pronounced. Litter strongly increased amounts of mineral and organic N in the leachate, soil extractable mineral and organic N and organic C, denitrification activity, CO2 and N2O emissions as well as earthworm biomass. Elevated soil temperatures also increased CO2 emissions, but this effect was more pronounced in treatments without litter. Furthermore, elevated soil temperature reduced the amounts of extractable organic C and NH4+, but increased amounts of NO3−, indicating enhanced nitrification activity in warmed soils. Earthworm presence increased NO3− leaching and this was more pronounced under elevated soil temperatures. N2O emissions were strongly increased by 70–90% by earthworm activity, with the highest emissions in the treatment with litter incorporation under elevated temperatures. This treatment also had the largest amount of NO3− leaching and the highest denitrification activities. Our results indicate an increasing risk for N losses in the form of nitrate leaching and/or N2O emissions from earthworm populated arable soils with a warmer climate in the future.

Evidence of the Interaction Between Crop Species and Organic Amendments: Modelling of the Differential Grain Yield Response of Wheat, Soybean, and Canola to Organic Amendments

<p>Knowledge on the interaction between plants and organic amendments is critical for the basic understanding of agroecosystems sustainability. Organic amendments are of great interest in agriculture by virtue of their ability to restore lost soil organic carbon in eroded or conventionally cultivated soils. The major objective of this study was to demonstrate and model the differential response of crop species to organic amendments. Despite the potential of such an interaction to improve crop production, it has never been formally demonstrated in a planned experiment. A two-year greenhouse experiment set as 3×3×5 factorial in a strip-split plot design was conducted. The effects of crop species, type of organic amendment, and application rates on grain yield of soybean, canola, and wheat were evaluated. To account for the asymmetry of the concave responses of soybean, mathematical transcendental models were fitted, for the first time, to yield data.<em> </em>The interaction between crop species and amended soils was highly significant. Soybean displayed concave transcendental yield responses whereas canola and wheat exhibited negative exponential responses, irrespective of the type of amendment. Turkey compost outperformed turkey litter and beef manure by 30% and 52%, respectively, with respect to soybean production; whereas turkey litter outperformed turkey compost and beef manure by 144% and 264%, respectively, with respect to canola and wheat production. It is concluded that in greenhouse settings and perhaps field conditions, growth and development of crop species can be enhanced by matching the specific characteristics of organic amendments to the specific nutrients demand of crop species.</p>

In vitro assessment of thyroidal and estrogenic activities in poultry and broiler manure

Among the many chemicals found in avian manure, endocrine disruptors (EDs), of natural or anthropogenic origin, are of special environmental concern. Nowadays, an increasing amount of estrogens is being released into the environment via the use of manure to fertilize agricultural land. While most research in this field has focused on estrogenic phenomena, little is known about alterations related to other endocrine systems, such as the thyroidal one. Here we simultaneously assessed the potential estrogenic and thyroidal activity of poultry and broiler litter manure using in vitro approaches based on estrogen receptor (Er) and thyroid receptor (Tr) transactivation assays. In addition, leaching experiments were performed to assess whether the EDs present in the manure pass through a soil column and potentially reach the groundwater. Manure from four broiler and four poultry farms was collected in two sampling campaigns carried out in two seasons (fall and spring). Extracts from broiler and poultry manure exhibited strong thyroidal activity. Only poultry manure showed estrogenic activity, which is consistent with the low levels of estrogens expected in hatchlings. Leakage experiments were performed in columns with two kinds of arable soils: sandy and loamy. No estrogenicity or thyroidal activity was detectable in soils treated with the manure or in the corresponding leachates. These results indicate that substances with estrogenic or thyroidal activity were degraded in the soil under our experimental conditions. However, the long-term effects associated with the constant and intensive application of manure to agricultural land in some regions require further research.

Designing relevant biochars as soil amendments using lignocellulosic-based and manure-based feedstocks

Biochars are a by-product of the biofuel processing of lignocellulosic and manure feedstocks. Because biochars contain an assemblage of organic and inorganic compounds, they can be used as an amendment for C sequestration and soil quality improvement. However, not all biochars are viable soil amendments; this is because their physical and chemical properties vary due to feedstock elemental composition, biofuel processing, and particle size differences. Biochar could deliver a more effective service as a soil amendment if its chemistry was designed ex ante with characteristics that target specific soil quality issues. In this study, we demonstrate how biochars can be designed with relevant properties as successful soil amendments through feedstock selection, pyrolysis conditions, and particle size choices. Biochars were produced by pyrolysis of parent lignocellulosic feedstock sources—peanut hull (PH; Archis hypogaea), pecan shell (PS; Carya illinoensis), switchgrass (SG; Panicum virgatum), pine chips (PC; Pinus taeda), hardwood wastes (wood), and poultry litter manure (PL; Gallus domesticus), as well as blends of these feedstocks at temperatures ranging from 250 to 700 °C. Additionally, blended feedstocks were made into pellets (>2 mm) prior to pyrolysis at 350 °C. Dust-sized (<0.42 mm) biochar was obtained through grinding of pelletized biochars. After chemical characterization, the biochars were evaluated as fertility amendments in a Norfolk soil (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic, Typic Kandiudult) during two different pot incubation experiments. PL biochars were alkaline and enriched in N and P, whereas biochar from lignocellulosic feedstocks exhibited mixed pH and nutrient contents. Blending PL with PC resulted in lower biochar pH values and nutrient contents. In pot experiment 1, most biochars significantly (P < 0.05) raised soil pH, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, and Mehlich 1 extractable P and K. PL biochar added at 20 g kg−1 resulted in excessive soil P concentrations (393 to 714 mg kg−1) and leachate enriched with dissolved phosphorus (DP, 22 to 70 mg L−1). In pot experiment 2, blended and pelletized PL with PC feedstock reduced soil pH and extractable soil P and K concentrations compared to pot experiment 1. Water leachate DP concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by pelletized biochar blends. Short-term laboratory pot experiments revealed that biochars can have different impacts at modifying soil quality characteristics. Keying on these results allowed for creating designer biochars to address specific soil quality limitations. In the process of manufacturing designer biochars, first, it is important to know what soil quality characteristics are in need of change. Second, choices between feedstocks, blends of these feedstocks, and their accompanying particle sizes can be made prior to pyrolysis to create biochars tailored for addressing specific soil quality improvements. Utilization of these principles should allow for effective service of the designed biochar as a soil amendment while minimizing unwanted ex facto soil quality changes and environmental effects.

Monitoring of Emission of Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulfide, Nitrogen Oxide and Carbon Dioxide from Pig House

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration level of ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and carbon dioxide (CO2) in two different fattening pig houses operated with slatted floor and straw flow system. The field study was performed for three day. One large-scale pig house with capacity of 230 pigs operate with deep litter manure system under the fully slatted floor and one small-scale pig feeding operation with capacity of 200 pigs operated by scraper and straw flow system, located at the Iksan city, South Korea, were investigated in this study. Average emissions of gases on the slatted floor pig house measured were 59.8-70.5 ppm NH3, 0.048-0.78 ppm H2S, 453.1-650.8 ppm CO2 and 0.21-0.68 ppm N2O while the concentrations of these gases at straw flow pig house were determined as 28.17-42.53 ppm NH3, 0.11-0.43 ppm N2O, 0.018-0.043 ppm H2S, 400.2-498.3 ppm CO2. In general, result of H2S, CO2, N2O and NH3 emissions from the straw flow system were lower than values for fully slatted floor systems.

Recycling of nutrients with application of organic waste in degraded pasture

The utilization of organic wastes represents an alternative to recover degraded pasture. The experiment aimed to assess the changes caused by the provision of different organic waste (poultry litter, turkey litter and pig manure) in a medium-textured Oxisol in Brazilian Savanna under degraded pasture. It was applied different doses of waste compared to the use of mineral fertilizers and organic mineral and evaluated the effect on soil parameters (pH, organic matter, phosphorus and potassium) and leaf of Brachiariadecumbens (crude protein, phosphorus and dry mass production). It was observed that application of organic waste did not increase the level of soil organic matter and pH in the surface layer, and the application of turkey litter caused acidification at depths of 0.20-0.40 m and 0.40-0.60 m. There was an increase in P and K in the soil with the application of poultry litter and swine manure. All organic wastes increased the productivity of dry matter and crude protein and phosphorus. The recycling of nutrients via the application of organic waste allows efficiency of most parameters similar to those observed with the use of mineral sources, contributing to improving the nutritional status of soil-plantsystem.

Functional biodiversity of soil microbe colonies affected by organic substrates of different kinds

The influence of different organic substrates (litter manure, diesel fuel, and glyphosate) on characteristics of functional diversity assessed with the help of multisubstrate testing and biological activity in sodpodzol soils and land incubated in a sample experiment is analyzed. It is shown that manure and oil products improve the characteristics of biodiversity and breathing and nitrogen fixation in soil and lands, in particular. The effect of humate and glyphosate was weaker and depended to a greater extent on the dose applied.

Nutrient losses in field-scale surface runoff from claypan soil receiving turkey litter and fertilizer

Information is lacking on nutrient runoff losses from poultry wastes and commercial fertilizers from claypan soils such as those found in southeastern Kansas. The objectives of this study were: (i) to compare field-scale surface runoff losses of nutrients from turkey (Melleagris gallopavo) litter manure and fertilizer and (ii) to compare the influence of tillage incorporation of turkey litter with no tillage on nutrient losses in surface runoff. The experiment was conducted from 2005 through spring 2008 near Girard, KS. The soil was a low-slope Parsons silt loam overlying a claypan B horizon. A high litter rate (N-based) resulted in high flow-weighted concentrations of N and P in runoff, and also resulted in carry-over P losses. N losses were inorganic and organic, whereas P losses were mainly the soluble, ortho-P form partially influenced by low sediment losses. Nutrient losses from fertilizer-only applications were usually lower than from N-based and similar to P-based turkey litter applications. Incorporation appeared to reduce nutrient losses in runoff, but was not always significant. A high litter rate built up soil P levels, and annual P runoff losses appeared to accelerate when soil P values exceeded 30mgkg−1 in a 0–15cm sample.

Occurrence and colonization of nematophagous fungi in different substrates, agricultural soils and root galls

Seventeen species of nematophagous fungi were recorded, three species were endoparasitic and fourteen species were predacious fungi. Among the predacious fungi Arthrobotrys oligospora, Dactylaria brochopaga and Monacrosporium eudermatum were very frequent, whereas others were recorded at lower frequency. Twelve species of nematophagous fungi from compost as well as cow dung manure, 15 species from leaf litter and only eight species from agricultural soils were recorded. In general, substrate colonization by nematophagous fungi was higher in leaf litter, compost and cow dung manure. The agricultural soil amended with FYM (farm yard manure) recorded nine species of nematophagous fungi while unamended soil recorded only seven species. Thirteen species of nematophagous fungi were recorded from soils under banyan tree. Of all these fungi unidentified net-forming fungus, M. eudermatum, A. cladodes, D. brochopaga, S. hadra, A. oligospora and A. dactyloides had higher percentage of soil colonization. In soil collected under pipal tree only eight species were recorded, of which A. oligospora, A. cladode and an unidentified fungus were more predominant as their percentage colonized in soil samples was higher. Few studies have examined root galls as a substratum for colonization of nematophagous fungi. Of all the root gall samples, okra root galls recorded maximum colonization by predacious fungi. Maximum percentage of root gall colonization was recorded for M. eudermatum followed by A. oligospora and M. ellipsosporum. M. eudermatum was also most predominant colonizer of balsam, brinjal and rice root galls.

Immobilization of Heavy Metal Ions (CuII, CdII, NiII, and PbII) by Broiler Litter-Derived Biochars in Water and Soil

Chars, a form of environmental black carbon resulting from incomplete burning of biomass, can immobilize organic contaminants by both surface adsorption and partitioning mechanisms. The predominance of each sorption mechanism depends upon the proportion of organic to carbonized fractions comprising the sorbent. Information is currently lacking in the effectiveness of char amendment for heavy metal immobilization in contaminated (e.g., urban and arms range) soils where several metal contaminants coexist. The present study employed sorbents of a common biomass origin (broiler litter manure) that underwent various degrees of carbonization (chars formed by pyrolysis at 350 and 700 degrees C and steam-activated analogues) for heavy metal (Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II)) immobilization in water and soil. ATR-FTIR, (1)H NMR, and Boehm titration results suggested that higher pyrolysis temperature and activation lead to the disappearance (e.g., aliphatic -CH(2) and -CH(3)) and the formation (e.g., C-O) of certain surface functional groups, portions of which are leachable. Both in water and in soil, pH increase by the addition of basic char enhanced the immobilization of heavy metals. Heavy metal immobilization resulted in nonstoichiometric release of protons, that is, several orders of magnitude greater total metal concentration immobilized than protons released. The results suggest that with higher carbonized fractions and loading of chars, heavy metal immobilization by cation exchange becomes increasingly outweighed by other controlling factors such as the coordination by pi electrons (C=C) of carbon and precipitation.

Poultry manure as raw material for mercury adsorbents in gas applications

The quantity of poultry manure generated each year is large, and technologies that take advantage of the material should be explored. At the same time, increased emphasis on the reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired electric power plants has resulted in environmental regulations that may, in the future, require application of activated carbons as mercury sorbents. The sorbents could be injected into the flue gas stream, where they could adsorb the mercury. The sorbents (now containing mercury) would be removed via filtration or other means from the flue gas. Our preliminary work has demonstrated that activated carbon made from poultry manure can adsorb mercury from air with good efficiency. In laboratory experiments, an activated carbon made from turkey cake manure removed the majority of elemental mercury from a hot air stream. Other activated carbons made from chicken and turkey litter manure were also efficient. In general, unwashed activated carbons made from poultry manure were more efficient in removing mercury than their acid-washed counterparts. The results suggest that the adsorption of mercury was mainly due to chemisorption on the surface of the carbon. Other potential uses for the activated carbons are the removal of mercury from air and natural gas.

Energy cost of activities and locomotion of grazing cows: A repeated study in larger plots1

We determined the energy costs associated with the activities of beef cows grazing on Mediterranean foothill rangeland covered with herbaceous vegetation. Our central aim was to compare the energy cost coefficients obtained in this study, using relatively large plots, with those obtained in a previous study conducted on smaller plots. Measurements were performed in 3 seasons: in March on nursing cows grazing a 135-ha plot of high quality herbage (11.4 MJ/kg of ME), and in May and September on nonlactating cows grazing a 78-ha plot of low quality herbage (6.2 MJ/kg of ME). Poultry litter manure was given as a supplement in September. Stocking rates on the respective plots were 2.25 and 1.95 ha/cow; 5, 5, and 7 cows were monitored in the respective months. Heat production was determined by continuous monitoring of the heart rate and measurement of the oxygen consumption per heartbeat. Animal location was tracked with global positioning system (GPS) collars equipped with motion sensors. Activity was determined for 5-min intervals using suitable calibration equations. Horizontal and vertical distances traveled were computed by integrating GPS data and plot maps in a geographic information system. Three models were used to estimate the energy cost coefficients of engaging in a given activity and locomotion. Total daily heat production ranged from 644 (September) to 1,014 kJ.kg of BW(-0.75).d(-1) (March; P = 0.04). Estimates of the energy cost coefficients for activity states (kJ.kg of BW(-0.75).d(-1)) ranged from 42.7 to 46.2 for standing, from 84.5 to 92.4 for walking idle, and from 89.4 to 103.2 for grazing; those for locomotion (kJ.kg of BW(-0.75).d(-1).km(-1)) ranged from 2.8 to 2.9 for horizontal locomotion and from 21.4 to 27.9 for vertical locomotion. Estimated cost coefficients of standing, grazing, and horizontal locomotion derived in the present study from animals on relatively larger plots were similar to those of the previous study based on data from smaller plots, but the energy costs of walking idle and of vertical locomotion were greater in the present study than in the previous one. The differences found are associated with the fact that cows in the present study walked for longer periods of time and traveled longer distances in single uninterrupted bouts of locomotion than those in the previous study.

Energy Effectiveness Assessment of Composting Technologies

The incorrect biomass composting improperly results in considerable emission of greenhouse gases, loss of effluent and composting heat into environment. The composting heat and gases utilisation is especially suitable for plant enrichment and heating of greenhouses. The mathematical model is worked out for assessment of energy effectiveness and sustainability of biomass composting process. Coefficient of energy effectiveness for traditional litter manure composting technologies is 0.45 and can be increased up to 1.50 if the effluent, composting heat, carbon dioxide and ammonia were utilised during the composting cycle.

Environmental Effects of Chemical Additives Used in Poultry Litter and Swine Manure

Research into the use of chemical additives for litter or manure additives to reduce environmental pollution has focused on aluminum; calcium; and iron-containing compounds. Aluminum sulfate [Al(SO4)3·14H2O or Al(SO4)3· 18H2O, alum) has been studied extensively in the poultry industries and is currently being used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) as a litter additive. Recent studies have been very promising for the use of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) in swine manure to reduce ammonia volatilization and odor. Use of phytase with aluminum chloride reduces levels of soluble P and protects drinking water from P contamination. Basic research into the use of Fe(II) and Fe(III) compounds in manure has shown possibilities for their use in odor and ammonia volatilization reduction. Calcium-containing compounds such as limestone may be attractive for utilization in the future due to their low cost. Besides these compounds, research into the use of other chemical compounds such as zeolite, antibiotics, potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, chlorine, phosphoric acid, formaldehyde, yucca saponin, ZnSO4, and organic acids is continuing and there may be promise for the use of these compounds in the future. Long-term studies are needed to determine the effects of these compounds when used as fertilizer on plant absorption and soil quality.

Use of Flyash as Environmental and Agronomic Amendments

Coal combustion power plant flyash materials have been reported as useful soil amendments with agronomic and environmental benefits. This paper reports the efficacy of fluidized bed combustion (FBC) and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) byproducts, when amended with dairy, swine, and broiler litter manures, in reducing phosphorus (P) solubility and potential impact on water quality. At a rate of 400 g/kg, FBC reduced water soluble P by 60% for dairy and swine and 50% for broiler litter, as compared to un-treated control samples. Byproduct FGD had little effect when amended into dairy manure, but reduced water soluble P by nearly 80% when amended into swine and broiler manure at a rate of 250 g/kg. The amount of Ca added in the amendments together with pH of the mixture is the major contributing factor in soluble P reduction. Sequential extraction results showed that the flyash treatments shifted water soluble P into mainly bicarbonate extractable P. The latter is still considered available for crop uptake but less vulnerable for environmental losses. Coal combustion byproducts, when amended into manure and used properly, can provide a useful and viable option for improving nutrient management on animal farms.

Influence of Storage of Deep Litter Manure on Ammonia Loss and Uniformity of Mass and Nutrient Distribution following Land Spreading

Deep litter manure contains considerable amounts of plant nutrients and is therefore used as a fertiliser in crop production. However, the manurial value of deep litter manure is reduced by ammonia volatilisation and uneven land spreading. Although storage before spreading may improve the spreading evenness of deep litter manure, it may also influence the potential for ammonia losses. A study was therefore designed to investigate how storage of deep litter manure influences spreading evenness and ammonia volatilisation following land spreading. The ammonia volatilisation following land spreading was found to be reduced by 44% following storage, as the ammonium content of the deep litter manure had declined considerably during the storage period. The spreading evenness of both mass and nutrient content of deep litter manure was found to be improved by storage. During spreading, deep litter manure was found to be separated into bands of mainly straw or heavier material. However, this separation did not significantly influence the evenness in distribution of the nutrient content of either stored or unstored deep litter manure.

Efficacy of alum and coal combustion by-products in stabilizing manure phosphorus.

Animal manures contain large amounts of soluble phosphorus (P), which is prone to runoff losses when manure is surface-applied. Here we report the efficacy of alum and three coal combustion by-products in reducing P solubility when added to dairy, swine, or broiler litter manures in a laboratory incubation study. Compared with unamended controls, alum effectively reduced readily soluble P, determined in water extracts of moist manure samples with 1 h of shaking, for all three manures. The reduction ranged from 80 to 99% at treatment rates of 100 to 250 g alum kg(-1) manure dry matter. The fluidized bed combustion fly ash (FBC) reduced readily soluble P by 50 to 60% at a rate of 400 g kg(-1) for all three manures. Flue gas desulfurization by-product (FGD) reduced readily soluble P by nearly 80% when added to swine manure and broiler litter at 150 and 250 g kg(-1). Another by-product, anthracite refuse fly ash (ANT), was ineffective for all three manures. In all cases, reduction in readily soluble P is primarily associated with inorganic phosphorus (P(i)) with little change in organic phosphorus (P(o)). Sequential extraction results indicate that the by-product treatments shifted manure P from H2O-P into a less vulnerable fraction, NaHCO3 - P, while the alum treatment shifted the P into even more stable forms, mostly NaOH-P. Such shifts in P fractions would have little influence on P availability for crops over the long-term but would retard and reduce potential losses of P following manure applications.

Agricultural Biotechnology: Environmental Benefits for Identifiable Environmental Problems

The environmental benefits and risks of agricultural biotechnology have been debated vigorously. However, these debates have been abstract discussions. This paper looks at the environmental benefits of agricultural biotechnology for a specific identifiable problem - the numerical phosphorus water quality standard for the Illinois River (a scenic river) in Oklahoma. The State of Oklahoma has mandated a 98%+ reduction for phosphorus in the Illinois River, primarily coming from dry litter manure produced and land-applied by chicken farmers within the river basis. This article discusses how agricultural biotechnology for feeds, animals, and forage crops allows the State of Oklahoma to meet its phosphorus goals without destroying the chicken industry. The article posits that agricultural biotechnology is the best available technology for dealing with animal waste and environmental problems.