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ARS Home » Plains Area » Bushland, Texas » Conservation and Production Research Laboratory » Soil and Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #319003
Title: Corn response to long-term applications of cattle manure, swine effluent, and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer

Author
item SCHLEGEL, ALAN - Kansas State University
item YARED, ASSEFA - Kansas State University
item BOND, DEWAYNE - Kansas State University
item WETTER, SCOTT - Kansas State University
item STONE, LOYD - Kansas State University

Submitted to: Agronomy Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/21/2015
Publication Date: 5/1/2015
Citation: Schlegel, A.J., Yared, A., Bond, D.H., Wetter, S.M., Stone, L.R. 2015. Corn response to long-term applications of cattle manure, swine effluent, and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer. Agronomy Journal. 107:1701-1710.

Interpretive Summary: Cattle and swine manure are produced in vast quantities on the Southern High Plains and can be used in lieu of more expensive commercial fertilizers. However, recommended rate of application have not been developed. Scientists from Kansas State Univeristy in the ARS led Ogallala Aqyifer Program compared corn yields for 10 yr near Tribune, KS using three levels of cattle manure and swine effluent. All treatments significantly increased grain yield compared with the unfertilized plots. However, grain yield did not differ among rates of cattle manure and swine effluent application. We concluded that using the lower application rate based on either N or P was sufficient to achieve optimal crop yield and water productivity.

Technical Abstract: Cattle (Bos taurus) manure and swine (Sus scrofa) effluent are applied to cropland to recycle nutrients, build soil quality, and increase crop productivity. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term effects of land application of cattle manure and swine effluent using the Kansas Nutrient Utilization Plan on crop yield, yield components, and crop nutrient uptake. The study was conducted for 10 yr (1999 through 2008) near Tribune, KS. There were 10 treatments: three levels of cattle manure and swine effluent (P, N, and 2N), three levels of N fertilizer (N1 = 56, N2 = 112, and N3 = 168 kg N per ha), and an untreated control. Corn (Zea mays L.) grain and stover yields, yield components, and water use were measured. In all but 2 yr, all treatments significantly increased grain yield compared with the control and the lowest inorganic N rate. Mean corn grain yield over the years from the cattle N and P, swine N and P, and inorganic N2 and N3 treatments were about 2X, 1.8X, and 1.9X greater than the untreated control, respectively. Grain nutrient content and water productivity were consistently higher for the cattle manure treatments and the inorganic N2 and N3 treatments. However, grain yield and nutrient uptake did not differ among rates of cattle manure and swine effluent application. We concluded that using the lower application rate based on either N or P from the Kansas Nutrient Utilization Plan was sufficient to achieve optimal crop yield and water productivity.