| Poultry litter is an important nutrient source in crop production. However, the traditional practice of broadcasting poultry litter on the soil surface could result in nutrient losses in runoff as well as substantial ammonia volatilization losses, which could adversely affect both the environment and agricultural productivity. This research compared nutrient runoff (natural and simulated) losses on 1 m x 2 m plots and ammonia volatilization from different turkey litter application methods (broadcast, surface-banded, incorporated band, and control) applied in triplicate. No significant differences were observed between any of the treatments in any of the runoff constituents measured. Over three runoff events (two simulated) spanning 9 d, ammonium and inorganic phosphorus losses in runoff were substantially lower in the incorporated band treatment than in the broadcast and band applications. Compared with the broadcast and band applications, ammonia volatilization losses from incorporated bands were reduced five-fold over 11 d. Ammonia trapping efficiency of low-cost, passive ammonia samplers were also evaluated. Compared with broadcast application, incorporating surface-banded poultry litter could reduce nutrient losses into the environment which could be particularly useful in conservation tillage. |
