Nutrient Properties of Fresh and Composted Cotton Gin Byproducts and Cattle Manure for Soil Amendment

Authors: Alege, Femi; Donohoe, Sean; Blake, Cody; Thomas, Joseph

Submitted to: Journal of the ASABE
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/23/2023
Publication Date: 2/8/2024
Citation: Alege, F.P., Donohoe, S.P., Blake, C.D., Thomas, J.W. 2024. Nutrient Properties of Fresh and Composted Cotton Gin Byproducts and Cattle Manur for Soil Amendment. Journal of the ASABE. 67(1):151-159. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15766.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15766

Interpretive Summary: Crop production often uses fresh and composted Cotton Gin Byproducts (CGB) and cattle manure to support soils because of the nutrient contents. It is expensive to store and transport bulky materials. Costs are reduced if the raw materials are turned into products that use less space. Knowing the nutrient contents of both materials is key to making products. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the nutrient values of fresh and composted CGB and beef manure (BM). Nutrient data will help the production of materials for growing crops. The samples came from two different commercial gins and one beef farm. The results showed that composted CGB often had more Total-N (TN) and Phosphorus (P) but less Potassium (K) than fresh CGB. On the other hand, composted BM had less TN but more P than raw BM. The nutrients of both materials showed that CGB and BM could be processed together to aid soils for growing crops. Establishing the material properties also helps to formulate and select parameters for making the products.

Technical Abstract: Applications of fresh and composted Cotton Gin Byproducts (CGB) and cattle manure as soil amendments are very common practices in the industries. However, several logistical concerns are associated with the composting process and the direct application of the materials. This study was conducted to characterize fresh and composted CGB and beef manure (BM) for subsequent co-treatment and utilization as soil amendments, and to investigate the effects of composting on the nutrient composition and agronomic values. Raw and composted samples of CGB and BM at different storage periods and composting ages were sourced from two commercial gins and one beef farm. Nutrient content, acidity, and compost maturity indices such as Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N) and Ammonium/Nitrate (NH4-N/NO3-N) ratios were determined and compared. All samples were obtained at four sampling points on the respective storage or composting piles. The results showed that composted CGB generally contained at least 55% more Total-N and Phosphorus Oxide (P2O5), but approximately 25% less Potassium Oxide (K2O) than fresh CGB. Composted BM had approximately 3% less Total-N, but at least 25% more P¬2O5 than raw BM. By contrast, the C/N ratio was significantly higher (P< 0.001) in the fresh CGB than in composted CGB, but the NH4-N/NO3-N ratio was lower. The nutrient compositions affirm the potential for co-treating both forms of CGB and BM to improve the agronomic values and enhance the utilization as soil amendments. In addition, establishing the various properties of CGB and BM is crucial for determining product formulations and selecting process parameters for co-treatment.