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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #172517
Title: CHARACTERIZING PHOSPHORUS TRANSPORT FROM WINTER-APPLIED MANURE

Author
item SRINIVASAN, M - PENN STATE UNIV
item Bryant, Ray
item Callahan, Michael

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/28/2004
Publication Date: 10/31/2004
Citation: Srinivasan, M.S., Bryant, R.B., Callahan, M.P. 2004. Characterizing phosphorus transport from winter-applied manure[abstract]. American Society of Agronomy Abstracts. Paper No. 5897.

Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required.

Technical Abstract: Winter spreading of manure on frozen and/or snow-covered soils is widely practiced in the US, though its effect on soil and water quality has not been well recorded. Phosphorus (P) movement from freshly applied dairy manure (rate, 100 kg TP per ha) through soil and in runoff were studied. Lab experiments were conducted on packed soil boxes (100 x 20cm, with 5cm of soil), with manure applied on top of snow. Treatments included bare and grassed soil surfaces. None of the boxes generated snowmelt runoff. Dissolved P (DP) and total P (TP) concentrations in leachate from manured boxes were significantly greater than those from control boxes (no manure), indicating significant movement of P from manure through the soil. P concentrations were not significantly different between treatments. Field plots (200 x 100 cm) were installed to record snowmelt runoff P concentrations from pastures. Treatments included fresh dairy manure applied on snow and on soil with snow covering the manure. Plots with manure applied on snow recorded quicker snowmelts than control plots and plots with manure covered by snow. No significant differences in P concentrations were observed between treatments. DP concentrations in runoff were significantly lower than TP concentrations for all treatments, indicating significant sediment movement. Further experiments are planned for winter 2005.