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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #348073
Research Project: Enhancing Production and Ecosystem Services of Horticultural and Agricultural Systems in the Southeastern United States

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Influence of poultry litter and double cropping on soybean yield

Author
item LIN, YARU - Auburn University
item Watts, Dexter
item Torbert, Henry - Allen

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/13/2017
Publication Date: 4/13/2017
Citation: Lin, Y., Watts, D.B., Torbert III, H.A. 2017. Influence of poultry litter and double cropping on soybean yield [abstract]. Auburn University - This is Research: Student Symposium. April 13, 2017, Auburn, Alabama. CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Continuous cultivation of mono-cropping systems coupled with inorganic fertilizer consumption has led to a decline in soil fertility, negatively influencing crop yields. Poultry litter application and double cropping are two management practices that could be used with conservation tillage to increase yields compared to conventional mono-cropping systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield response to poultry litter application verses inorganic nitrogen fertilization under a double cropping system. The study was conducted from 2014 to 2017 at four locations on a Marvyn loamy sand (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludult) and a Lucedale fine sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, subactive, thermic Rhodic Paleudult). Fertility treatments for the winter wheat included an unfertilized control (P0N0), inorganic N fertilizer (135 kg ha-1, P0N135), poultry litter at the rate of 45 kg total N ha-1 plus 90 kg ha-1 inorganic N (P45N90), poultry litter at the rate of 90 kg total N ha-1 plus 45 kg ha-1 inorganic N (P90N45), and poultry litter at the rate of 135 kg total N ha-1 (P135N0). All wheat treatments were double cropped with soybeans (no N fertilizer was added) and compared to a winter fallow treatment. Overall, wheat-soybean double cropping increased soybean yield compared to the fallow treatment. Combination of poultry litter and inorganic N fertilizer produced wheat yields equivalent to or greater than that of inorganic N fertilizer, and the residual poultry litter nutrients left in soil from the winter wheat crop slightly enhanced soybean production. This study suggests that a combination of poultry litter and inorganic N fertilizer use for a wheat-soybean cropping system could provide sustainable yield production.