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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #367982
Research Project: Conservation Systems to Improve Production Efficiency, Reduce Risk, and Promote Sustainability

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Corn yield and nitrogen loss differences between urea and poultry litter systems

Author
item SINGH, RAJVEER - Auburn University
item PRASAD, RISHI - Auburn University
item Balkcom, Kipling
item GUERTAL, ELIZABETH - Auburn University
item LAMBA, JASMEET - Auburn University
item ORTIZ, BRENDA - Auburn University

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/3/2019
Publication Date: 11/11/2019
Citation: Singh, R., Prasad, R., Balkcom, K.S., Guertal, E.A., Lamba, J., Ortiz, B.V. 2019. Corn yield and nitrogen loss differences between urea and poultry litter systems[abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting. CD ROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Poultry litter (PL) is considered valuable low-cost nitrogen (N) source for row crop production especially corn (Zea mays L.). However, for effective use of PL in nutrient management, information on associated yield benefits and environmental N losses is needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of PL and urea on corn yield and environmental N losses in response to two application rates (168 and 336 kg N/ha); two application timing (100% N pre-plant and 25% N pre-plant + 75% N side-dressed at V6) and two locations (central and south Alabama). A 2-yr field plot study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Partial nitrogen budget was generated to quantify environmental N losses. N inputs included N contribution from PL or urea, initial mineral N and atmospheric N deposition. N outputs included plant N uptake, final mineral N and environmental N losses. Soil samples (0-30 cm depth) were taken before planting and at harvest for initial and final mineral N content respectively. Aboveground plant biomass was harvested at physiological maturity to determine dry matter and N uptake. Results from 1st yr of the study indicated significant interaction between N source and rate with location (P<0.001) on corn yield. Application timing of PL and urea did not influence grain yield. On an average, south Alabama yielded 13.6 % greater than central Alabama. Environmental N losses increased with N rate for both PL and urea. At high N rate, more N losses occurred from PL treatment plots. Greater losses occurred when PL was split applied. Unlike yield, location had no significant effect on N losses. Results from 2nd yr of the study will be presented.