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Soil Properties as Influenced by Phosphorus‐ and Nitrogen‐Based Manure and Compost Applications
Author(s) -
Eghball Bahman
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj2002.1280
Subject(s) - compost , manure , agronomy , fertilizer , bulk density , phosphorus , nitrogen , environmental science , chemistry , zoology , soil water , soil science , biology , organic chemistry
Manure or compost application based on N needs of corn ( Zea mays L.) may result in soil accumulation of P, N, and other ions, since the manure or compost N/P ratio is usually smaller than the corn N/P uptake ratio. This study was conducted from 1992 to 1996 to evaluate the effects of annual or biennial application of N‐ and P‐based composted and noncomposted beef cattle ( Bos taurus ) feedlot manure on soil properties. Fertilized and unfertilized checks were also included. Soil surface (0–15 cm) pH significantly increased with N‐based manure (MN) or compost application (CN), but decreased with NH 4 –N fertilizer application as compared with the check. Soil bulk density was unaffected by manure or compost application. After 4 yr of manure and compost applications, soil surface (0–15 cm) C and N concentrations and quantities were greater for N‐ than P‐based management systems. About 25% of applied manure C and 36% of applied compost C remained in the soil after 4 yr of application, indicating greater C sequestration with composted than noncomposted manure. No significant difference was observed between fertilizer and check plots for soil total C or N. Soil properties in the 15‐ to 30‐cm increment were unaffected by the applied treatments except soil electrical conductivity (EC). Residual soil NO 3 to a depth of 1.2 m was greater for inorganic fertilizer than manure and compost treatments in drier years. Soil property changes were greater for the annual or biennial N‐based than P‐based manure or compost applications, reflecting the differences in application amounts.