Project Number: 6406-12630-006-10
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Feb 01, 2009
End Date: Jan 31, 2012

Objective:
Determine feasibility of variable rate litter applications in optimizing yield across the farm. Test selected chicken litter fertilization plans based on preliminary small-plot research results and published knowledge against conventional inorganic fertilization to help accelerate the adoption of effective, efficient, and safe broiler chicken litter use for corn production in Mississippi.

Approach:
Test the following fertilizaton plans in a commercial farm setting: (1) Standard conventional commercial fertilizers applied in the spring as farm standard. (2) Raw broiler chicken litter applied in the spring to supply N equivalent to the farm standard assuming 50% litter N availability. No other fertilizers needed. (3) Raw broiler chicken applied in the fall to supply P. Then commercial N fertilizer is applied in the spring to meet the full N requirement of corn. This is a new farm practice that does not take into account litter N applied in the fall. (4) Raw broiler chicken litter applied in the fall to supply P. Then commercial N fertilizer is applied in the spring to meet the N requirement of corn after accounting for litter N applied in the fall. (5) Raw broiler chicken litter applied in the spring to supply P. Then commercial N fertilizer is applied in the spring to meet the N requirement of corn after accounting for litter N. Soil nutrient concentration before and after harvest, plant tissue nutrient concentration, mid-season growth based on meter readings, and grain yield will be used to identify a more efficient and profitable fertilization plan. Aerial imagery and yield monitor data will be combined to determine value of variable rate litter applications for optimizing yields across the farm.