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ARS Home » Plains Area » Bushland, Texas » Conservation and Production Research Laboratory » Livestock Nutrient Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #295710
Title: Phoshatase activities and their effects on phosphorus availability in soils amended with livestock manures

Author
item Waldrip, Heidi
item Acosta-Martinez, Veronica

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/9/2013
Publication Date: 5/15/2014
Citation: Waldrip, H., Acosta Martinez, V. 2014. Phoshatase activities and their effects on phosphorus availability in soils amended with livestock manures. In: He, Z., Zhang, H., editors. Applied Manure and Nutrient Chemistry for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment. New York, NY: Springer Science+Media Dordrecht. p. 123-140.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The application of livestock manures can impact factors related to phosphorus (P) cycling and concentrations of plant-available P in soils. Specific manure physicochemical properties differ due to livestock species and management practices, which may result in differences in parameters related to soil fertility when manures are applied to soil. To date, no evaluation has been conducted on the differences between manure types on soil phosphatase activities and P availability. This chapter presents information on the most commonly studied soil phosphatases, acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase, and how manure application influences their activities and P cycling. In a case study, it is shown that soil application of manures from organically managed dairies increases acid phosphatase activity, but that concentrations of available P are similar to those following application of manure from conventional dairies. Depending upon specific research goals, different in vitro experimental approaches may be taken prior to evaluation of phosphatase activity; however, specific methodology influences phosphatase activities and can hinder between-study evaluation of effects of livestock manure on P dynamics. Research avenues are suggested to improve current understanding of the effects of livestock manure on soil quality and functioning related to P availability in soils.