Effect of European and North American poultry housing design and manure management on ammonia emission factors.

Recovery of phosphorus as triple super phosphate from poultry manure ash

ABSTRACTThe study investigated the effect of different compost types on the growth performance of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) varieties cultivated in a Lixisol from Northern Ghana. Six compost formulations were prepared using various combinations of poultry manure, cow dung, biochar, and cashew apple residue at different mixing ratios. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial structure with three replicates. Three cashew varieties were planted at a spacing of 10 m × 10 m and amended with compost types at a rate of 50 kg ha−1. Growth parameters were recorded over two seasons, while nut yield was recorded in year 2. Results showed that cashew apple residue combined with biochar and poultry manure produced composts with higher organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (N) than the controls. In the first year, variety B3T101 treated with either cow dung or a mixture of poultry manure, biochar, and cashew apple residue in a 2:1:1 ratio recorded significantly (p < 0.05) higher heights (205.70 and 193.00 cm, respectively). However, in year 2, all compost types had statistically similar effects on plant height (p < 0.05). Variety B3T57 treated with poultry manure alone and biochar‐poultry manure‐cashew apple residue had statistically similar (p < 0.05) nut yield of 803.70 and 872.30 g, respectively. The findings demonstrate that cashew apple residue is as valuable as the traditional decomposed cow dung and poultry manure used in cashew farming for use as an organic fertilizer in cashew farming.

Poultry manure is generated in large quantities by the rapidly expanding poultry industry and poses serious environmental management challenges when disposed of without appropriate treatment. This review critically synthesizes commercial technologies for the valorization of poultry manure into compost, bio energy and value-added agricultural inputs, with emphasis on process performance, safety and applicability under Indian conditions. Aerobic composting (windrow, in-vessel and vermin composting), anaerobic digestion and thermo chemical conversion routes are comparatively evaluated based on operating parameters, pathogen reduction efficiency, nutrient conservation and scalability. Anaerobic digestion offers dual benefits of renewable biogas generation and nutrient-rich digestate production, while composting remains the most economically feasible option for decentralized farm- level manure management. Pyrolysis-derived biochar and bio-oil provide emerging opportunities for carbon sequestration and renewable fuel production, though economic and infrastructural barriers currently limit their adoption in India. The utilization of processed poultry manure in animal feed is constrained by regulatory and biosafety considerations. This review highlights major technological gaps, economic challenges and policy needs for sustainable poultry manure valorization and proposes integrated circular-economy frameworks suitable for Indian poultry production systems.

Feedstock-dependent nutrient retention and release mechanisms of manure-derived biochars: Implications for mitigating agricultural nutrient loss.

A pot experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University during 2023 and 2024 using a completely randomized design with three replications and 11 treatments: Control, Absolute Control, Wood Ash (WA), Poultry Manure (PM), Rice Residue (RR), Vermicompost (VC), Soybean Residue (SR), and combinations (WA+PM, WA+RR, WA+VC, WA+SR) to evaluate the role of Organic Materials for Improving Growth and Yield of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in Acid Soil of Nagaland. Each pot contained 11 kg soil, treated with corresponding organic amendments and incubated for one month before sowing pre-soaked seeds. Observations on plant growth parameters were recorded at different growth stages (25DAS, 50DAS, and harvest), along with yield attributes and yield. Results revealed significant positive effects of all organic amendments on growth and yield parameters. T₉ (wood ash + vermicompost) recorded the highest plant height, branches per plant, leaves per plant (25 DAS, 50 DAS, harvest), pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod, seed yield (g pot⁻¹), and stover yield (g pot⁻¹), statistically at par with T₇ (wood ash + poultry manure). The lowest performance was observed in the absolute control, indicating the adverse effect of untreated acid soil on mungbean growth. Among single amendments, vermicompost (T₆) was most effective. The study indicates that combining wood ash with nutrient-rich organic manures, especially vermicompost, is an effective approach to ameliorate aluminium toxicity and enhance the growth and yield of mungbean in acid soils.

With the rapid development of intensive animal husbandry, the widespread use of livestock and poultry manure as organic fertilizers has become a major anthropogenic source of antibiotic contamination in agricultural soils. Antibiotics, classified as "emerging contaminants" owing to their persistence, biological activity, and potential ecotoxicity, undergo environmental fate processes such as adsorption-desorption, migration, transformation, and degradation upon entering orchard soils, with their behaviors regulated by multiple factors, including soil physicochemical properties, microbial communities, and climatic conditions. Antibiotics not only alter the structure and diversity of soil microbial communities, inhibit soil enzyme activities, and interfere with the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus nutrients but also induce the generation and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and affect the growth and reproduction of soil animals, triggering cascading effects on ecological processes. Moreover, antibiotics can be absorbed by fruit tree roots and transported to aboveground organs via the xylem or phloem. By interfering with photosynthesis, disrupting antioxidant systems, and affecting hormone balance, they inhibit the growth and development of fruit trees, thereby altering the appearance, nutritional, and flavor qualities of fruits. Furthermore, antibiotic residues and ARGs in fruits pose potential risks to food safety. This paper thoroughly analyzes the pollution levels, environmental interactions, and disposition of antibiotics in orchard soils, focusing on the mechanisms that influence their impact on soil microecology and biochemical processes. It also explores the absorption, transport, and accumulation patterns of antibiotics in fruit trees, as well as their effects on tree physiology, growth, fruit quality, and safety. Finally, the current research gaps and prospects are identified, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for ecological risk assessment, scientific prevention and control of antibiotic contamination in orchard ecosystems, and safeguarding of agricultural product safety.

From waste to circularity: the potential of different treatments of poultry manure and forestry residues in a hot-spot production region in Portugal

Valorization of pretreated sawdust and poultry manure for biogas and digestate organic fertilizer production

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels contribute significantly to global warming, with agricultural soils acting as both major sources and potential sinks for greenhouse gases (GHG). This study investigated the impact of food waste-derived compost amended with varying concentrations of coconut husk biochar on CO₂ emissions from highly weathered tropical soil. Biochar was produced via pyrolysis at 550 – 620°C and co-composted with domestic organic waste (cassava, plantain, and pineapple peels, and poultry manure) at ratios of 0%, 2%, 5%, and 10%. Six treatments, including an absolute control and inorganic NPK fertilizer, were applied to soil containers and incubated for 58 days. CO₂ emissions were quantified using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) trapping followed by hydrochloric acid (HCl) titration at intervals ranging from day 0 to day 58. Results indicated a significant reduction in emissions across all treatments after the initial incubation day. The Compost + 10% Biochar treatment consistently demonstrated the lowest CO₂ emissions (0.88 mg CO₂/day/kg on day 0), significantly outperforming the control (1.21 mg CO₂/day/kg), inorganic fertilizer, and lower biochar concentrations. By day 58, emissions across all treatments approached zero. The study concludes that amending food waste compost with 10% coconut husk biochar effectively suppresses soil CO₂ fluxes, acting as a carbon sink while enhancing soil fertility. This integrated organic management strategy offers a sustainable, climate-smart solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting soil health in tropical agricultural systems.

This study investigates the impact of adding residual ashes in anaerobic co-digestion of olive mill wastewater (OMWW), poultry manure (PM) and cheese whey to boost methane production. It evaluates the effects of olive pomace bottom ash, slaughterhouse waste incineration bottom ash and biochar on methane yield. These specific biomass ashes are utilized for the first time in anaerobic digestion. Experiments were conducted in two phases: (1) anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial waste and (2) effect of ash and biochar on anaerobic digestion. Kinetic models including Logistic function (LF), Modified Gompertz (MG) and Reaction curve-type were used to analyse production dynamics. The results revealed that the optimal substrate ratio was the one with highest content of OMWW (60%) that produced 447.5 mlCH4 gVS-1. Second phase showed the highest methane yield of 688.5 mlCH4 gVS-1 from slaughterhouse ash at 0.75g gVS-1, followed by 612.5 mlCH4 gVS-1 with biochar at 0.50 g gVS-1. In contrast, olive pomace ash generally yielded lower methane production compared to control, likely due to high chloride content and potential polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. MG and LF explain better the experimental data. The findings underscore the potential of anaerobic co-digestion to valorize agricultural and agro-industrial waste, advancing sustainable energy production and waste management strategies in alignment with circular economy principles.

Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) is one of the most leafy vegetables widely consumed in Burkina Faso. However, inappropriate input and unsuitable doses constitute a constraint to the optimal productivity of amaranth. This study aims to evaluate the effect of four organic fertilizers and two mineral fertilizers on the agromorphological performance of amaranth. A split plot experimental design was used with fertilizer type as the main factor (seven levels) and application dose as the second factor. Poultry manure (PM) was applied at rates of 5, 10 and 15 t/ha, while liquid organic fertilizers derived from poultry manure (LOFPM), cow dung (LOFCD), and small ruminant droppings (LOFSR) were applied at respective doses of 0.1L, 0.085L, and 0.075L each diluted in 1,5L of water. NPK fertilizer was applied at 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha, while urea was used at doses of 50, 75 and 100 kg/ha. The Witness (Control) had no fertilizer input. The agromorphological parameters assessed included number of leaves, plant height, collar diameter, and yield. The results indicated that PM produced the highest number of leaves (73.00±29.93), followed by LOFPM (59.82±26.75). The highest yields were obtained with LOFPM (7971.11±427.20 kg/ha) and PM (7195.55±211.58 kg/ha) with no significant difference (p&gt;0.05). All LOFPM doses allowed for a high yield without significant difference (p&gt;0.05). In contrat, PM showed a dose dependent effect with 15 t/ha producing significantly higher yields that the lower doses.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is well recognised as one of the most significant oilseed crops cultivated worldwide, known for its high quality. A good crop of sunflowers can be grown in areas with rainfall of 300-500 mm. Sunflowers possess the potential to mitigate the prevailing shortage of edible oil due to their significant role in emergency crop management strategies. The current study aims to assess the impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) with organic manure of farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, poultry manure and inorganic fertilisers on the yield of sunflower. A field experiment was conducted with 10 treatments, viz. 3 types of organic sources, viz. FYM, poultry manure and vermicompost, inorganic nutrients and growth regulators in the spring season 2022– 2023 at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design. After analysis, the data clearly showed significant differences among treatments in sunflower yield. Among the entire treatments, Maximum capitulum diameter (22.7 cm) was recorded with 50% N through vermicompost + seed dressing and foliar application of manganese sulphate, respectively, @ 1.0% and 0.5% at 40 and 60 DAS. The Permanent Manurial Experiment at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, was established to evaluate the effects of continuous application of organic and mineral fertilisers on crop yield and soil quality. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) comprising seven treatments, each replicated three times. The application of 50% N through vermicompost + seed dressing and foliar application of manganese sulphate, respectively, @ 1.0% and 0.5% at 40 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) is thus recommended for sunflower cultivation in sandy loamy soils, considering the yield of sunflower (Gahlot &amp; Singh, 2023). The results indicated that the integrated application of 100% NPK with farmyard manure (FYM) at 12.5 t ha⁻¹ (INM) significantly increased sunflower seed yield to 1,879 kg ha⁻¹ and straw yield to 3,916 kg ha⁻¹ compared to the control. Maximum seed yield (2156.67 kg ha-1) was recorded in 50% N through vermicompost + seed dressing and foliar application of manganese sulphate respectively @ 1.0% and 0.5% at 40 and 60 DAS which was at par with 50% N through poultry manure + seed dressing and foliar application of sodium molybdate @ 0.2% at 40 and 60 DAS and 50% N through FYM + seed dressing and foliar application of manganese sulphate respectively @ 1.0% and 0.5% at 40 and 60 DAS with 2076.67 and 2056.67 kg ha-1 respectively. The study concludes that it is expected to offer an environmentally sustainable, scientifically sound, and economically feasible approach.

Jute, frequently referred to as Bangladesh’s “golden fibre,” continues to play a vital role in the country’s agrarian economy, supporting industrial sustainability and sustaining rural livelihoods. This study investigated the effects of integrated organic and inorganic nutrient management on the growth and fibre yield of BJRI Kenaf-5 at Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, during the 2023 growing season. The experiment was established using a randomized complete block design with three replications and six nutrient management treatments. These treatments involved the application of the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF: 132–50–40 kg N–P–K ha⁻¹) in combination with various organic amendments, including cow dung (CD), poultry manure (PM), and vermicompost (VC). Key growth parameters—such as plant population, plant height, base diameter, fibre yield, and stick yield—were systematically recorded. The results demonstrated significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) among the treatments, highlighting the influence of integrated nutrient management on both vegetative growth and fibre production in BJRI Kenaf-5. The integrated treatment T6 (100% RDF + CD 1.5 t ha⁻¹ + PM 1.5 t ha⁻¹ + VC 1.5 t ha⁻¹) produced the highest fiber yield (3.36 t ha⁻¹) and stick yield (6.73 t ha⁻¹), representing a 75.9% increase in fiber yield over the control. Plant height was highest under T5 (3.11 m), while maximum base diameter was observed in T4 (19.63 mm). Principal component analysis explained 99.1% of total variance, confirming strong positive associations among growth parameters. Pearson’s correlation revealed highly significant relationships (r = 0.96–0.99) between vegetative growth and yield traits.The results demonstrate that integrated nutrient management significantly enhances biomass accumulation and fiber productivity in BJRI Kenaf-5, suggesting T6 as an optimal nutrient strategy for sustainable kenaf cultivation in the agro-ecological conditions of Kishoreganj.

The impact of organic manures and biofertilizers on yield of Thai guava cv. VNR bihi was studied. Different combinations of organic manures (FYM, Vermicompost, Poultry manure, Jeevamrit) and biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB) substrates were applied within the tree basin under subtropical environmental condition. Maximum fruit length, fruit breadth, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, yield, number of seeds per fruit in rainy season (9 cm, 9.56 cm, 531.43gm, 54.33, 29.41 kg/plant, 276.67) and winter season (10.8 cm, 12.90 cm, 616.30 g, 35, 21.60 kg/ha, 325.23) were recorded with application of 80% replacement of nitrogen through FYM + 20% replacement of nitrogen through poultry manure + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria.

The promotion of safe and sustainable organic farming necessitates production and availability of quality organic inputs in adequate quantities. A field experiment was conducted in Kuttanad, Kerala during 2023-2024 in RCBD with seven treatments and replicated thrice to evaluate the effect of silt and silt fortified organic manures on soil chemical properties and enzymatic activities at different growth stages of cassava. The treatments included fortified poultry manure, fortified crop-residue composts (paddy straw, banana pseudostem, and water hyacinth), fortified farmyard manure, silt alone, and farmyard manure alone (control). At harvest, fortified poultry manure recorded the highest available nitrogen (265.33 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (52.90 kg ha⁻¹), and potassium (345.22 kg ha⁻¹), indicating superior enhancement of soil fertility. Fortified organic amendments significantly improved soil pH, organic carbon, and available N, P, and K compared to control and silt alone. Crop-residue composts also improved soil carbon status and potassium availability, whereas silt applied alone was comparatively less effective. Overall, the results demonstrate that silt-fortified organic manures, particularly poultry manure and crop-residue composts, are effective for improving soil chemical fertility and biological functioning as evidenced by increased dehydrogenase, urease, and phosphatase activities in cassava-based systems of Kuttanad.

This study investigated agronomic traits and pollen staining ability of two eggplants, Solanum melongena L. (local NHEP 0093 and European hybrid Merdan 465 F1) and two tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. (local NHTO 0394 and European hybrid Thorgal F1) genotypes. Seeds were raised in pre-nursery, nursery and transplanted into polyethylene bags containing 20 kg loamy soil mixed with poultry manure at the experimental plot of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University. Experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with six replications. Agronomic parameters measured included plant height, leaves per plant, leaf area, flowers per plant, days to flowering, and fruits per plant. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and means separated using LSD at P &lt; 0.05. Pollen viability was assessed using aceto-carmine staining. Merdan 465 F1 recorded significantly higher plant height (46.0 cm) than NHEP 0093 (26.4 cm), while no significant difference occurred between tomato genotypes. NHTO 0394 produced significantly more leaves (83) but smaller leaf area (57.3 cm²) compared with the other genotypes, flowered earlier (62.8 days) producing significantly more flowers (83.2) and fruits per plant (28.8) than Thorgal F1, NHEP 0093, and Merdan 465 F1. Leaves per plant, flowers per plant, and fruits per plant were positively and highly significantly correlated. Pollen staining ability was highest in NHEP 0093 (91%), followed by Merdan 465 F1 (86%), NHTO 0394 (78%), and Thorgal F1 (65%). However, higher pollen stainability did not correspond to higher fruit yield, as NHTO 0394 produced the most flowers and fruits despite moderate pollen viability. The results indicate that pollen stainability alone is not a reliable predictor of fruit yield, and that greater emphasis should be placed on vegetative vigor and flowering traits in breeding and cultivar selection, with NHTO 0394 showing strong potential for yield improvement.

Amaranthus cruentus is an important crop for subsistence farmers and a nutritious green vegetable in South Western Nigeria. The maximum growth and organic production of this vegetable to supply protein and minerals for people is necessary to enhance food security. Pot experiments were conducted in the experimental garden of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti, Nigeria to investigate the effects of organic manures on the growth of A. cruentus. The experiments were laid down in Completely Randomised Design (CRD). The treatments were Poultry manure (PM), Cowdung (CD) and Goat manure (GM) applied at 50g, 100g, 150g and 200g concentrations per 8kg of soil with four replicates. Application of organic manures irrespective of the quantity applied seemed to have no significant effect on the plant height of Amaranthus cruentus. However, the highest mean number of leaves per plant was recorded in soil treated with 100g of GM (69.38), followed by 50g of GM (62.75) which was similar to that of 200g of PM (62.50). Soil with 50g Poultry manure produced the widest leaf area (66.45cm2) followed by 50g of GM (58.29cm2). Meanwhile, 200g of PM treated plants has the highest stem girth (1.08cm) and 0.64 Relative Growth Rate (RGR) respectively. Goat manure treated plants at 50g concentration produced the highest dry root and shoot weights with 2.46g and 6.03g respectively. Statistical analysis (P≤ 0.05) showed that significant differences were observed in all the parameters studied compared to the control except the plant heights. The three organic manures improved the growth of A. cruentus but Poultry manure outperformed the other manures in terms of leaf area, stem girth and RGR, while GM treated plants outperformed other manures in producing the highest number of leaves. With the current advocacy for the consumption of food produced organically, it is recommended that the organic manures under study should be used for the cultivation of A. cruentus most especially by the resource poor farmers as it is cheaper, environmentally friendly and might be safer for consumption than vegetables produced through the application of synthetic fertilizers.

Nitrogen use efficiency is one of the sustainability criteria which get altered as a response to varied interventions like water conservation practices and source of nitrogen in rainfed agriculture. A two-year’ investigation was conducted to evaluate in-situ moisture conservation practices and different nitrogen sources for nitrogen uptake and NUE in rainfed sorghum on alfisols of the semi-arid region of India. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design replicated thrice. Main plot treatments were in-situ moisture conservation practices like conservation furrow (CF) and ridge and furrow (RF), while sub-plot treatments were different nitrogen sources like chemical fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC) and poultry manure(PM). Diverse agronomic indices viz., recovery efficiency, physiological efficiency, agronomic efficiency and partial factor productivity were derived to assess the NUE. The results demonstrated that CF and RF methods of in-situ moisture conservation exhibited equal response pertaining to N uptake, Soil N and nitrogen use efficiency. However, nitrogen uptake was higher through partial substitution of the recommended dose of nitrogen with PM (67.8 kg ha-1), FYM (63.8 kg ha-1) and VC (63.9 kg ha-1) along with synthetic fertilizers in integration. Soil fertility in the form of mineral N (NH4-N + NO3-N) was improved by combined use of chemical and organic sources of N. Higher crop recovery efficiency, physiological efficiency, agronomic efficiency and partial factor productivity were higher with inclusion of organic manures, especially in integrated manner. The experimental findings suggested that, in rainfed sorghum cultivation in semi-arid tropic of India, conjunctive use of 75% RDN through synthetic fertilizer and 25% RDN through PM or FYM or VC along with conservation furrow or ridge and furrow practice could be adopted for improved NUE.

ABSTRACT The long-term application of manure from animal production can enhance soil quality; however, continuous or excessive use may lead to environmental contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of poultry manure (PM) and liquid swine manure (LSM) applications on soil chemical properties and determine the application rates that significantly alter soil quality after eight years. A random complete block design was used, consisting of five treatments and four replicates. Organic treatments included PM and LSM applied at 67%, 100%, 150%, and 200% of the nitrogen requirement for corn, wheat, and oats, and phosphorus for soybeans, in comparison with a mineral fertilizer control. Soil samples were collected at 0–0.1 m and 0.1–0.2 m depths and analyzed for carbon (C), phosphorus (P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). PM and LSM partially or fully replaced mineral fertilization, especially for P, C, Ca2+, and K+, and the application resulted in increased levels of P, C, Ca2+, and K+ at both soil depths. At the same time, LSM enhanced C contents in both layers and increased P only at the highest rates (T4S and T5S). Among the organic sources, PM was more effective in improving soil fertility indicators.