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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Southeast Watershed Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #113927
Title: USE OF ORNAMENTAL AND WETLAND PLANT SPECIES TO REMOVE NUTRIENTS FROM SWINE LAGOON EFFLUENT

Author
item Hubbard, Robert
item RUTER, JOHN - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item NEWTON, G - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Submitted to: Soil and Water Conservation Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/20/2000
Publication Date: 7/20/2000
Citation: HUBBARD, R.K., RUTER, J.G., NEWTON, G.L. USE OF ORNAMENTAL AND WETLAND PLANT SPECIES TO REMOVE NUTRIENTS FROM SWINE LAGOON EFFLUENT. SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION SOCIETY PROCEEDINGS. Abstract #43, p. 65. 2000.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A 2-year study was conducted to determine growth response of six wetland species receiving swine lagoon effluent. Wastewater was applied to Ilex cassine ("Dahoon Holly"), Cephalanthus occidentalis ("Buttonbush"), Itea virginica ("Virginia Sweetspire"), Spartina patens ("Saltmeadow Cordgrass") Juncus effusus (Soft Rush) and Panicum hemitomon ("Maidencane"). Plants were grown in steel containers recessed in the soil so that they received natural weather conditions in addition to applied wastewater. Measurements were taken periodically of plant height, width, biomass, leaf area, and N and P content. It was found that of the broad-leaved species Cephalanthus had the greatest growth response, while of the nonbroad-leaved species Spartina had the greatest growth. New field research is investigating growth rate and nutrient uptake of ornamentals receiving wastewater. The ornamental species are Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei "natchez" ("Crepe Myrtle"), Ilex x attenuata "Savannah" ("Holly") and Juniperus chinensis "Kaizuka" ("Juniper"). Both studies were designed to provide animal producers and land managers with needed information on technologies for using nutrients from animal wastes.