ARS | Publication request: Evaluation of poultry litter fertilization practices on greenhouse gas emissions

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: July 12, 2011
Publication Date: November 1, 2011
Citation: Watts, D.B., Torbert III, H.A., Way, T.R. 2011. Evaluation of poultry litter fertilization practices on greenhouse gas emissions. In: Understanding Greehouse Gas Emissins from Agricultural Management. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC. p. 473-492.

Interpretive Summary: Concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere have been increasing since preindustrial times. Integrating poultry litter use into conservation agricultural systems could be a management practice for sequestering atmospheric C in soil. However, consideration for the best method for this management practice must be taken into account when applying poultry litter to maximize nutrient uptake and prevent gaseous loss in the form of CO2, CH4, and N2O. This review demonstrates the impact of poultry litter application in agricultural systems on C sequestration. Within this review an evaluation of how poultry litter application practices affect gaseous flux of CO2, CH4, and N2O is also discussed.

Technical Abstract: Concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere have been increasing since preindustrial times. Integrating poultry litter use into conservation agricultural systems could be a management practice for sequestering atmospheric C in soil. However, consideration for the best method for this management practice must be taken into account when applying poultry litter to maximize nutrient uptake and prevent gaseous loss in the form of CO2, CH4, and N2O. This review demonstrates the impact of poultry litter application in agricultural systems on C sequestration. Within this review an evaluation of how poultry litter application practices affect gaseous flux of CO2, CH4, and N2O is also discussed. [GRACEnet Publication]