Effects of Poultry Litter Injection On Yields, Nitrogen Mineralization and Nutrients in Runoff Water.

Over application of manure in sensitive watersheds has increased eutrophication in many aquatic systems. With increased regulations on producers of manures in particular, there is a need for new technologies to help farmers deal with excess manures in a way that does not jeopardize environmental quality while maintaining profitability for farmers. The Subsurfer injects poultry litter into no-till soils or grasslands with minimal disturbance to the soil. It was hypothesized that injection of poultry litter would increase capture of nutrients and reduce runoff of nitrogen and phosphorus when compared to surface application. Corn and Orchardgrass were grown with surface applied or injected poultry litter, and yields and quality were measured.  A greenhouse study was conducted to determine difference in nitrogen mineralization due to injection of poultry litter. Changes in runoff water quality were determined using a simulated rainfall event, for surface applied and injected poultry litter treatments. Runoff water samples were analyzed for total and soluble nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and sediment. The results of these experiments comparing surface applied to injected poultry litter will be discussed. If injection of poultry litter can increase nutrient capture for crops and decrease nutrient losses in runoff, it could be a best management practice that benefits both farmers’ profitability and the environment.