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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Southeast Watershed Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #152064
Title: PHOSPHORUS AND NITROGEN LEACHABILITY ON AGRICULTURAL FIELDS USED FOR LAND APPLICATION OF POULTRY WASTE

Author
item HAWKINS, GARY - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item SIERRA, DALITA - EARTH UNIVERSITY
item Hubbard, Robert

Submitted to: ASAE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/5/2003
Publication Date: 7/5/2003
Citation: Hawkins, G.L., Sierra, D., Hubbard, R.K. 2003. Phosphorus and nitrogen leachability on agricultural fields used for land application of poultry waste. ASAE Annual International Meeting. 07/05/2003.

Interpretive Summary: Animal wastes pose a major threat to soil, surface water, and ground water quality. Excess loadings of nitrogen and phosphorus from animal wastes applied to land may result in eutrophication of water bodies or contamination of drinking water. Land application of poultry litter provides two opportunities for the poultry producer; a disposal alternative and a source of nutrients. In the past, land application of agricultural waste was based on the agronomic rate of nitrogen being applied to a crop; however, in recent years phosphorus has become the nutrient used for determining the amount of land required for the disposal and use of agricultural waste. This study is being conducted to determine concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in water leaving a row crop field through a drain tile system where the field has received poultry litter. This research addresses the need to determine the impact of animal wastes on soil and water quality. Result of the research will be important to poultry producers, land managers, and scientists and extension personnel working in the area.

Technical Abstract: Land application of poultry litter provides two opportunities for the poultry producer; a disposal alternative and a source of nutrients. In the past, land application of agricultural waste was based on the agronomic rate of nitrogen being applied to a crop; however, in recent years phosphorus has become the nutrient used for determining the amount of land required for the disposal and use of agricultural waste. In South Central Georgia, the conservation tillage practice of farming is continuing to grow as a means to preserve soil and water resources. The objective of this preliminary study was to measure the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in water leaving a row crop field through a drain tile system. The study was designed to collect and analyze samples from drain tiles in the field as well as lysimeters placed above the drain tiles. Some preliminary data has been collected and will be used to expand the design of the study to further study the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil profile and their movement into the drain tile system and local waterbodies.