Subsurface Band Research Articles

Influence of Poultry Litter on Crop Productivity under Different Field Conditions: A Meta‐Analysis

Core Ideas Meta‐analysis showed that poultry litter’s influence on crop productivity is comparable to that of inorganic fertilizer.Poultry litter’s effectiveness on crop yield is influenced by soil properties, tillage, application practice, and crop species.More positive effects were found in acidic soil compared with neutral or alkaline, in loam soil compared with sand or clay, under conservation tillage compared with conventional, by subsurface banded poultry litter compared with broadcast or incorporation through tillage.The full benefits of using poultry litter was achieved from long‐term studies, with litter improving crop yield compared with inorganic fertilizer. Research has shown that poultry litter (PL) can be used as a nutrient source for crop production. However, yield responses often varied when compared with inorganic fertilizer (IF) depending on soil type, management conditions, and PL application practices. Therefore, we reviewed the literature and conducted a meta‐analytic assessment to summarize the effects of PL vs. IF on yield response under different agricultural practices. A total of 866 observations from 90 studies were evaluated to determine how soil properties, tillage, application practices, crop species, and repeated applications influenced yield. Poultry litter significantly increased yield in loam, sandy loam, and silty‐clay loam soils, whereas yields were significantly greater with IF in sand and silty‐clay soils; no differences were observed between PL and IF with clay loams or silt loams. Under conventional tillage, IF’s effect on yield was positive, albeit not significant, whereas PL had a significant positive effect under strip‐till or no‐till. Poultry litter produced slightly lower yield when surface incorporated, but higher yield with subsurface band application when compared with IF. Poultry litter had significantly higher yield with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), significantly lower with bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers] than IF, and no effects on tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), corn silage, rice (Oryza sativa L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Overall, PL was comparable to IF. However, the greatest benefits of PL on yield when compared to IF tended to occur following repeated (three or more) annual applications.

Tillage and Fertilizer Management Effects on Phosphorus Runoff from Minimal Slope Fields.

Phosphorus fertilization can increase P losses in surface runoff, but limited information is available for fields with <2% slopes in the US Midwest. Our objectives were to determine the effects of tillage-fertilizer placement (no-till-broadcast, strip till-broadcast; or strip till-deep placement, -15-cm subsurface band) and fertilizer rate applied in the fall (0, 52, or 90 kg PO ha yr) on runoff P concentrations and loads in fields with <2% slopes near Pesotum, IL, during fall and spring simulation runoff events, and to measure corn ( L.) and soybean [ (L.) Merr.] grain yield. Across four simulated runoff events, deep placement reduced dissolved reactive P (DRP) loads by 69 to 72% compared with the broadcast treatments. A tillage-fertilizer placement × P rate interaction showed that DRP and total P (TP) concentrations remained low when P was deep placed, regardless of P rate, whereas concentrations increased with increasing P rate for the broadcast treatments, but no differences existed for bioavailable P (BAP) (α = 0.05). At one site, rainfall simulation in the spring versus fall increased runoff volumes but sharply decreased BAP concentrations. During fall runoff simulations, deep placement reduced TP loads, and greater TP loads occurred with the 90- than the 52-kg PO ha yr rate. Similarly, when P was broadcast in the fall, DRP and TP concentrations were greater than deep-placed P, but no treatment differences occurred in the spring. Deep banding P and K did not reduce crop yield but reduced runoff losses of P from flat fields compared with broadcast P applications, particularly at high rates of P application.

Effects of Subsurface Banding and Broadcast of Poultry Litter and Cover Crop on Soil Microbial Populations.

Agronomic management is aimed at managing the crop environment to maximize crop yield, but soil biology is often ignored. This study aimed to compare the application of poultry litter via broadcast and subsurface banding versus standard inorganic fertilizer to cotton ( L.) and their effects on soil bacterial populations and fecal indicator bacteria. The study comprised a randomized complete block design, with fertilizer and time of application as treatment effects and cover crop as a main effect. Soil cores were collected and analyzed from 2008 to 2014. Fecal indicator bacteria were at detection limits for all treatments, where the integron 1 gene was significantly elevated in litter plots. There were few differences between litter application approaches, but both significantly increased key biogeochemical genes over control plots, whereas a cover crop only increased soil moisture and urease C. Data suggested a positive residual effect of litter application with 16S, phosphatase A, and urease C genes elevated over controls, but similar to standard fertilizer plots. High-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA analysis suggested increased diversity and enrichment indices in litter and standard fertilizer over untreated control plots. Litter and standard fertilizer effects persisted 4 and 2 yr after application, respectively, as evidenced by residual library community structures. This study demonstrated the positive effects of litter application on the soil bacterial community when compared with untreated control plots. Some differences between standard fertilization and litter practices were noted and suggest that there is a positive residual effect on soil microbial populations associated with both practices.

Conditions for the Dye Sensitization of Photoprocesses in Semiconductors

.

Poultry Litter Band Placement Affects Accessibility and Conservation of Nutrients and Cotton Yield

Core Ideas Applying manures in subsurface bands is more efficient than surface broadcasting.Applying litter in single “thick” subsurface band per row leads to greater nutrient conservation than splitting the litter into multiple “thinner” bands.Litter band accessibility to young cotton plants is greater with multiple rather than single bands per row.Subsurface banding is more effective than surface banding for cotton yield. Subsurface manure band placement relative to the plant row may affect crop growth and yield by affecting nutrient accessibility and conservation. The objective of this study was to determine whether poultry litter band placement affects cotton yield by affecting nutrient accessibility and conservation. Fresh broiler chicken litter (6.1 Mg ha−1 yr−1) applied in subsurface bands spaced 1.02 m apart (wide) (SSw) was compared against the same litter rate applied in subsurface (SSn) or surface (SFn) bands spaced 0.30 m apart (narrow). An unfertilized control (UFC) and a standard treatment fertilized with synthetic fertilizers (Std) were also included. No‐till cotton was planted parallel to the litter bands at 1.02‐m row spacing. The SSw treatment resulted in 14% more lint yield than the SSn treatment 2 yr after stopping litter applications. The SSw treatment also increased wheat cover crop biomass by ≥20% relative to the SSn treatment. The SSw treatment did not increase lint yield in the same season litter was applied (2010–2012), because the 6.1 Mg ha−1 litter (163 kg ha−1 total N) applied in subsurface bands spaced at 1.02 m exceeded the optimum. Higher tissue N and K concentrations and greater biomass in young (1 mo) cotton plants suggested that litter band accessibility in the early stages is greater with multiple rather than single bands per row. The results overall suggest applying litter in single “thick” subsurface band per row leads to greater conservation of the litter and its nutrients than splitting the litter into multiple “thinner” subsurface bands.

Nitrogen Management for Forage Production from Endophyte‐Free Tall Fescue Grown on Claypan Soil

Core Ideas Better N management may be required for endophyte‐free fescue forage production. Knifed N may result in greater fescue yield and N uptake, especially when fall applied. Tall fescue yield increases were diminished as N rate approached 150 lb/acre. Average N uptake by fescue was linear to N rate, with ∼25% apparent recovery. Nitrogen fertilizer management affects forage production of tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.], but data are limited regarding yield and N uptake of endophyte‐free tall fescue on claypan soil of the eastern Great Plains. A 3‐yr study was conducted to determine the effects of N fertilizer timing (late fall or late winter), N placement (surface broadcast, spoke [point injection at 3‐inch depth], and knife [subsurface band at 4‐inch depth]), and N rate (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 lb/acre) on endophyte‐free tall fescue yield and N uptake. Each harvest (E2, R4, and stubble hay) was taken from individual, nonoverlapping subareas in each plot. In Year 1, subsurface placement (knife or spoke) increased yield by up to 34% above N broadcast. In Year 2, applying N in late winter instead of late fall resulted in greater E2 and R4 yields. In Year 3, broadcasting N in late winter or knifing N in late fall improved R4 hay yield, whereas stubble hay yield was &gt;10% greater with knifing because average agronomic N use efficiency was &gt;30% greater. Forage yield increased with low N rates, but the response diminished or plateaued as rates approached 150 lb N/acre. Nitrogen uptake in the R4 and stubble hay harvests, however, increased linearly with N rate, averaging 26 and 23% apparent N recovery, respectively. Nitrogen management for endophyte‐free tall fescue may be complex and variable by year, but yield and N uptake may be increased with knife applications, especially when fall applied.

Nitrogen Management for Seed Production from Endophyte‐Free Tall Fescue Grown on Claypan Soil

Core Ideas Pastures may be replanted with endophyte‐free seed to avoid harmful alkaloids. Better N management may be required for endophyte‐free fescue seed production. Nitrogen fertilizer placement has little effect on endophyte‐free seed production. Fescue seed yield may be maximized with 150 lb N/acre applied in late winter. Nitrogen fertilization affects tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] forage production, but data are limited regarding seed production from endophyte‐free tall fescue grown on the claypan soils of the eastern Great Plains. A field study was conducted from fall 1998 to spring 2001 to determine the effects of N fertilizer timing (late fall or late winter), N placement (surface broadcast, spoke [point injection at 3 inches deep], and knife [subsurface band at 4 inches deep]), and N rate (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 lb/acre) on endophyte‐free tall fescue seed yield, yield components, and harvested seed germination. The soil was a Parsons silt loam (fine, mixed, thermic Mollic Albaqualf), which is a typical claypan soil of the area. Seed yield response to N rates to 100 lb N/acre was similar regardless of application timing, but in two of three years, greater N rates applied in late fall improved seed production to about 400 lb/acre. Even though all components of seed yield responded to N fertilization, panicles/ft2 had the highest correlation (r = 0.83) with seed yield and showed greater response in 1999 to N applied in late fall at a higher rate compared with fewer panicles/ft2 at lower rates of N applied in late winter. The effect of N fertilization on germination of harvested seed was small. Fertilizer N placement had little effect on measured variables. In summary, increasing N rate to 150 lb/acre and applying it in late winter has the potential to maximize production of endophyte‐free tall fescue seed.

Starter Fertilizer for Managing Cover Crop‐Based Organic Corn

Core Ideas Grass and legume cover crops are combined for weed and fertility management. A cereal rye and hairy vetch mixture provided more than 7500 kg ha−1 biomass. Additional fertility is necessary to maximize cover‐crop based organic corn yield. Subsurface banding feather meal is an option to increase organic corn yield. If cover crop biomass is low, providing adequate N fertility is critical for yield. Grass and legume cover crops are combined in mixtures to provide both weed and N fertility management in organic production; however, additional N fertility may be required to maximize corn yield. The research was conducted in Beltsville, MD; Kinston, NC; and Salisbury, NC; from 2012 to 2014 to evaluate the effect of starter fertilizer source and application method on weed competition and grain yield in cover crop‐based, organic corn production. Fertility treatments included high rate broadcast poultry litter (Plant available nitrogen [PAN] = 160 kg ha−1), low rate broadcast poultry litter (PAN = 72 kg ha−1), subsurface banded feather meal (PAN = 80 kg ha−1), subsurface banded poultry litter (PAN = 12 kg ha−1), and no starter fertility. A cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) mixture was established in the fall and was terminated using a roller‐crimper before corn planting. Cover crop biomass more than 7500 kg ha−1 provided excellent weed suppression. In a combined analysis of five environments, corn N content and yield followed the same pattern of high rate broadcast poultry litter &gt; low rate broadcast poultry litter = subsurface banded feather meal &gt; subsurface banded poultry litter = no starter fertility. Results from this study indicate that starter fertilizer is necessary to maximize corn yield in cover crop‐based organic corn production and that decisions regarding additional fertility will need to be dynamic based on site history, cover crop biomass production, and the ability to broadcast poultry litter.

Relationship between Manure Management Application Practices and Phosphorus and Nitrogen Export in Snowmelt Run-off Water from a Black Chernozem Saskatchewan Soil

In Saskatchewan, soil nutrients released from land-applied solid cattle manure (SCM) and liquid hog manure (LHM) could be subject to off-field export via spring surface run-off water and/or subsurface leaching from melting snow. The objective of this study was to determine how the placement of SCM and LHM using surface and subsurface application methods affects the amounts of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) exported in simulated snowmelt run-off. Intact soil slabs were collected post-harvest in Oct. 2008 and Oct. 2009 from an annually cropped Black Chernozem in east-central Saskatchewan having treatments of: 1) a control, with no SCM or urea fertilizer added and 2) SCM applied at a rate of 60.6 t ha-1 for 2 years as: surface broadcast, broadcast and incorporated and subsurface banded. For comparison purposes, intact soil slab monoliths were collected post-harvest in Oct. 2009 from an annually cropped Black Chernozem in east-central Saskatchewan having treatments of: 1) a control, with no LHM or urea fertilizer added; 2) LHM broadcast and incorporated at a rate of 37,000 L ha-1 for 12 years; and 3) LHM subsurface banded at rates of 37,000 L ha-1 and 148,000 L ha-1 for 12 years. Run-off water and leachate were collected under two different simulated prairie spring melt conditions: 1) thawing soil slabs containing snow that slowly melted on the surface; and 2) frozen soil slabs with run-off water applied to the surface and allowed to run-off across the frozen soil surface. Export of SRP in the thawing soil slabs that had SCM applied in subsurface bands was 0.51 kg P ha-1 and was significantly higher than the non-manured control (0.07 kg P ha-1). Dissolved NO3-N exported in water running across the frozen soil slabs was highest in the broadcast and incorporated treatment (0.30 kg N ha-1). All SCM manured treatments had higher export of nitrate (0.2-0.25 kg NO3-N ha-1) compared to the non-manured control (0.07 kg ha-1). There was no significant (P ≤ 0.10) effect of placement method on SRP, NO3-N and NH4-N export on thawing or frozen SCM soil slabs. Export of SRP was less in LHM treatments than SCM treatments. In thawing soil slabs with 148,000 L ha-1 LHM treatment, the P export was 0.05 kg P ha-1 and was greater than the control treatment (0.01 kg ha-1). Rate of application and manure type appears to be more important than method of placement in influencing P and N transport in melt water on these soils.

Nitrogen Management for Seed Production from Endophyte-Free Tall Fescue Grown on Claypan Soil

Core Ideas Pastures may be replanted with endophyte-free seed to avoid harmful alkaloids. Better N management may be required for endophyte-free fescue seed production. Nitrogen fertilizer placement has little effect on endophyte-free seed production. Fescue seed yield may be maximized with 150 lb N/acre applied in late winter. Nitrogen fertilization affects tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] forage production, but data are limited regarding seed production from endophyte-free tall fescue grown on the claypan soils of the eastern Great Plains. A field study was conducted from fall 1998 to spring 2001 to determine the effects of N fertilizer timing (late fall or late winter), N placement (surface broadcast, spoke [point injection at 3 inches deep], and knife [subsurface band at 4 inches deep]), and N rate (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 lb/acre) on endophyte-free tall fescue seed yield, yield components, and harvested seed germination. The soil was a Parsons silt loam (fine, mixed, thermic Mollic Albaqualf), which is a typical claypan soil of the area. Seed yield response to N rates to 100 lb N/acre was similar regardless of application timing, but in two of three years, greater N rates applied in late fall improved seed production to about 400 lb/acre. Even though all components of seed yield responded to N fertilization, panicles/ft2 had the highest correlation (r = 0.83) with seed yield and showed greater response in 1999 to N applied in late fall at a higher rate compared with fewer panicles/ft2 at lower rates of N applied in late winter. The effect of N fertilization on germination of harvested seed was small. Fertilizer N placement had little effect on measured variables. In summary, increasing N rate to 150 lb/acre and applying it in late winter has the potential to maximize production of endophyte-free tall fescue seed.

Effect of Phosphorus Placement Methods and Rates on Sugarbeet Production under Strip Tillage in Southern Idaho

The use of strip tillage in the sugarbeet production systems of the Pacific Northwest is increasing, and data is needed about options for P placement and application rates for those options. The effects of P application methods (surface and subsurface band) and application rates (0–205 lb/acre P2O5) were evaluated in 2009 and 2010 on sugarbeet grown under strip tillage at the USDA‐ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, in Kimberly, ID. The soil at the study sites was a Portneuf silt loam (coarse‐silty mixed superactive, mesic Durixerollic Xeric Haplocalcids) that had low bicarbonate‐extractable P concentrations of 3.7 ppm in 2009 and 6.0 ppm in 2010. In general, yields did not differ between the application methods for P fertilizer application; however, yields increased as the P rate increased and were not maximum even at the highest application rate in this study (&gt;205 lb/acre P2O5). Across all treatments and years, the harvested roots removed an average equivalent of 14.3% of the applied fertilizer P, and the entire plant extracted an average equivalent of 22.8% of the applied fertilizer P. Regardless of the application methods used in this study, the results do not provide evidence that the current P fertilizer recommendations from the University of Idaho and the Amalgamated Sugar Company (TASCO) should be changed for strip tillage.

Corn Response and Soil Nutrient Concentration from Subsurface Application of Poultry Litter

Nitrogen fertilizer management is vital to corn (Zea mays L.) production from financial and environmental perspectives. Poultry litter as a nutrient source in this cropping system is generally surface broadcast, potentially causing volatilization of NH3. Recently a new application method was developed allowing subsurface banding of poultry litter with minimal soil surface disturbance. However, there are limited data with this application method on corn production. In this study, we used farm‐scale plots (7.6 by 91.2 m) to evaluate the response of no‐till corn growth and post‐harvest soil nutrient concentrations from subsurface poultry litter application. All treatments were applied pre‐plant at a rate of 168 kg N ha−1 and included (i) a standard commercial fertilizer surface broadcast, (ii) poultry litter surface applied, and (iii) poultry litter applied in subsurface bands placed 30 cm apart and 8‐cm deep below the soil surface. Results showed that poultry litter subsurface banded plots resulted in corn grain and above ground biomass yields similar to plots treated with commercial fertilizer. In 2011, corn grain yield of 11.35 Mg ha−1 produced by the subsurface banded poultry litter treatment was significantly higher when compared to surface applied poultry litter that yielded 10.10 Mg ha−1. Poultry litter application method did not have a significant effect on post‐harvest soil pH, total C, total N, NH4+‐N, NO3−–N, P, and K concentrations. Results from this study suggest that subsurface banding of poultry litter can be utilized as an alternate application method in no‐till corn without detrimental impacts on productivity.Core Ideas Foremost study examining subsurface banding of poultry litter on corn production. Subsurface banded poultry litter had 8.75% greater corn yield than surface applied. Subsurface band poultry litter increased N availability by 3.8% over surface applied.

Subsurface Band Placement of Pelletized Poultry Litter in Cotton

Alternative management of broiler chicken(Gallus gallus domesticus) litter in cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) production is needed to enhance soil fertility, crop nutrient utilization, and lint yield. This 4‐yr study compared the growth, lint yield, and soil quality in cotton production systems fertilized with pelletized poultry litter (PPL) subsurface band applied at the rate of 6.7 Mg ha−1(≈122 kg available N ha−1), inorganic N fertilizer (urea ammonium nitrate, UAN solution) injected at the recommended rate of 128 kg N ha−1, and unfertilized control. Drip irrigation was used as main plot, flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum was broadcast applied and used as subplot, and fertilization treatment was used as sub‐subplot (2 × 2 × 3). Although leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area index and total aboveground biomass were lower (P&lt; 0.05) with PPL than inorganic N, lint yield did not differ between these treatments in 2010 and 2011. However, lint yield was greater in PPL than inorganic N fertilizer treatment by approximately 6% in 2012 and 21% in 2013. Averaged across years, lint yield was 5% greater with PPL than inorganic N fertilizer (1378 vs. 1303 kg ha−1). Cotton lint yield was not influenced by FGD gypsum or irrigation. Applying PPL significantly enhanced soil fertility, improved soil aggregate stability, minimized postharvest residual NO3–N concentration in the soil profile and may provide growers with an alternative nutrient management strategy for cotton.Core IdeasSubsurface band placement minimizes nutrient loss.Subsurface band placement of pelletized poultry litter increases nutrient utilization.Pelletized poultry litter improves soil quality by enhancing soil organic C.

Zinc fertilization approaches for agronomic biofortification and estimated human bioavailability of zinc in maize grain

ABSTRACTMaize (Zea mays L.) is generally low in bioavailable zinc (Zn); however, agronomic biofortification can cure human Zn deficiency. In the present experiment, Zn was applied in pots as ZnSO4 · 7H2O to maize cultivar DK-6142 as foliar spray (0.5% w/v Zn sprayed 25 days after sowing and 0.25% w/v at tasseling), surface broadcasting (16 kg Zn ha−1), subsurface banding (16 kg Zn ha−1 at the depth of 15 cm), surface broadcasting + foliar and subsurface banding + foliar in comparison to an unfertilized control. As compared to control, all treatments significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased growth, yield and nutritional attributes in maize. Grain Zn and protein concentrations were correlated and ranged from 22.3 to 41.9 mg kg−1 and 9 to 12 %, respectively. Zinc fertilization also significantly reduced grain phytate and increased grain Zn concentration. Zinc fertilization, especially broadcasting and subsurface banding combined with foliar spray decreased grain [phytate]:[Zn] ratio to 28 and 21 and increased Zn bioavailability by trivariate model of Zn absorption to 2.04 to 2.40, respectively. Conclusively, broadcasting and subsurface banding combined with foliar spray is suitable for optimal maize yield and agronomic Zn biofortification of maize grain. This would also be helpful to optimize Zn and protein concentration in maize grain.

Subsurface Band Application of Poultry Litter and Its Influence on Phosphorus Concentration and Retention after Runoff from Permanent Pastures.

Excessive phosphorus (P) loss from agricultural fields is a major cause of eutrophication to rivers, lakes, and streams. To mitigate P loss after poultry litter (PL) applications, technology is being developed to apply litter below the soil surface. Thus, research was conducted to evaluate the effects of subsurface PL banding on soil P under pasture management. Treatments consisted of surface-broadcasted or subsurface-banded PL (38 cm apart) at 9 Mg ha, surface-broadcasted commercial fertilizer (CF; urea and triple superphosphate blend) at N (330 kg N ha) and P (315 kg N ha) application rates equivalent to PL, and a nonfertilized control. Runoff events lasting 40 min were simulated in bermudagrass ( L.) pastures on common soil types of the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions. One day later, Mehlich-1 and water-soluble P concentrations in soil were measured at depths of 0 to 5 cm and 5 to 10 cm to determine P distribution and movement. The greatest P concentrations were observed at the shallow depth for all treatments. Phosphorus measurements at the point of application for PL bands were greater than for the surface-applied treatments (PL and CF) and control. Measurements between subsurface PL bands were slightly higher than the control but were statistically similar, suggesting that this application method can abate short-term P movement. Results obtained from this study show that subsurface band applying PL could increase P retention and reduce movement by precluding contact between surface water and litter nutrients.

Legume Proportion, Poultry Litter, and Tillage Effects on Cover Crop Decomposition

Cover crop residues and animal waste products can be important sources of N in cropping systems. The objectives of this research were to determine, under field conditions, the effects of hairy vetch (legume; Vicia villosa Roth)/cereal rye (grass; Secale cereale L.) proportion and pelletized poultry litter (PPL) management (no PPL, subsurface banded, broadcast, or incorporated with tillage) on the extent and rate of cover crop residue mass loss and N release during a subsequent growing season. Measuring cover crop residues placed in mesh litter bags, or residues+PPL in litter bags for the broadcast treatment, we found that increasing hairy vetch proportion led to greater proportional mass loss and N release (cumulative mass loss ranged from 40 to 80% and N release ranged from 0–90% of initial), as well as greater rates of mass loss in all PPL treatments. Nitrogen release rates were generally unaffected by species proportions; however, N release rates for pure cereal rye residue in all PPL treatments except broadcast could not be estimated due to minimal N release. Incorporation of residues and PPL increased the rates of mass loss and N release for pure hairy vetch and hairy vetch–cereal rye mixtures. Although broadcast PPL application and incorporation affected decomposition patterns, subsurface banded PPL application did not. Results suggest that cereal rye provides the greatest mulch persistence, hairy vetch provides the greatest N release, and mixtures provide moderate delivery of these two services. Subsurface banding is the recommended PPL application method to conserve surface residues.

A Method for Subsurface-Banding Poultry Litter in Plots Not Accessible with Conventional Field Equipment

<abstract> <b><sc>Abstract. </sc></b>Subsurface band application of poultry litter has been shown to be effective in reducing nutrients in runoff and leachate, relative to surface broadcast application of litter. Some field plot arrangements, such as plots having adjacent pits in the soil, prevent the use of conventional field equipment because the equipment cannot traverse the pits. A small trencher and a method using a forklift were developed for making trenches in soil for subsurface band application of poultry litter in plots where conventional field equipment such as a tractor and trailing implement cannot be used. A cantilever beam was mounted to the forklift and the trencher was attached to the end of the beam. The forklift was upslope or downslope from the plots and the forklift traveled parallel to the lengths of the trenches that were formed, so it was not necessary for a vehicle to traverse the pits. The method was used for subsurface band application of broiler litter in rainfall simulation plots which had a pit on each side of each plot. The pits enabled installation of wick and zero-tension pan lysimeters beneath the plots. The method worked well for making trenches in plots in this field experiment. Broiler litter was applied in the trenches and the experiment investigated phosphorus and nitrogen in runoff and leachate during rainfall simulation.

Enhancing Management of Fall‐Applied Poultry Litter with Cover Crop and Subsurface Band Placement in No‐Till Cotton

Whether the yield reduction risk in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fertilized with fall‐applied poultry litter, relative to spring‐applied litter, in regions with warm falls or winters can be minimized by applying the litter in subsurface bands along with a winter cover crop is unknown. A field study was conducted in Mississippi to determine whether litter applied in fall can be as effective as litter applied in spring for no‐till cotton if applied in narrow subsurface bands (SSB) in the presence of a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cover crop (WCC). The study compared 5.6 Mg ha−1 litter applied in the fall vs. spring, in SSB vs. surface broadcast (BC), with a WCC vs. no cover crop (NCC) in a 2 × 2 × 2 treatment structure. An unfertilized control and a treatment fertilized with conventional inorganic fertilizers were included. The results showed that planting wheat as a WCC, relative to NCC, increased cotton lint yield by as much as 18% in the driest season. Applying litter in fall leads to loss of litter‐derived nutrients if applied by BC, but the losses are reduced if it is applied as SSB. Applying litter as SSB in conjunction with a WCC increased cotton lint yield relative to BC application with NCC by as much as 22%. The combined benefit of cover crop and subsurface banding suggests that poultry litter may be applied in fall in these soils without yield penalty, with potential to reduce the litter rate and minimize environmental contamination.

Maize yields benefit from injected manure positioned in bands

The use of positioned mineral fertilizer phosphorus (P) starters reduces the risk of yield penalties in maize production. However, it also increases the soil P surplus and attendant risk of P losses to the environment, in particular on farms with ample supplies of livestock manures. We examined whether routine applications of starter P can be refrained from if manure is injected in subsurface bands close to the anticipated position of the maize rows as an alternative to the conventional even injection at random lateral positions relative to the rows.Fourteen field experiments were executed on sandy soils in The Netherlands. In these experiments comparisons were made of the nitrogen (N) and P-concentrations in shoots and of dry matter (DM), N and P-yields over time, between evenly injected liquid manure (with and without starter P) and band-injected liquid manure.Silage yields of DM, N and P generally responded positively (P<0.05) to starter P applied at a rate of 9–31kg per hectare where manure had been applied at rates of circa 120kg N and circa 20kg P per hectare, but less so when the manure was band-injected. This positive response to P was not reflected in the concentration of P in shoots. Positioning of manure via band-injection without extra starter P resulted in silage maize dry matter yields that were similar to yields after even injection combined with a P-starter. Band-injection improved the recovery of the N and P (P<0.05) supplied by the manure and reduced the soil surpluses of N and P. Planting maize close to bands where liquid manure had been injected, thus increased silage yields and contributed to a better balance between the inputs and outputs of plant nutrients.

First Principles Calculation Study on Surfaces and Water Interfaces of Boron-Doped Diamond

We investigated water interfaces of boron-doped diamond (BDD) terminated by hydrogen, oxygen, and hydroxyl groups by using density functional theory (DFT)-based molecular dynamics to elucidate the electrochemical behaviors of the as-grown and oxidized BDD electrodes. The reversible outer-sphere electron transfer on the as-grown electrode and the irreversibility on the oxidized electrode, observed in the experiment, are well explained by the BDD band position and subsurface band bending, which depend on the termination and interfacial dipoles. The reductive character of the H-terminated BDD is found, while the interface covered by the carbonyl oxygen is clearly oxidative. The redox character of the hydroxyl termination depends on the lateral hydrogen bonding network among the termination groups and is rather oxidative at the water interface. We also examined the preference of the boron position in the diamond and the stability of boron pairs and clusters. It is suggested that the wide distribution of the s...