ARS | Publication request: ROLE OF PGPR AND AMF IN PLANT GROWTH AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE FROM POULTRY LITTER

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 6, 2007
Publication Date: March 6, 2007
Citation: Adesemoye, A.O., Kloepper, J.W., Torbert III, H.A. 2007. Role of pgpr and amf in plant growth and nutrient uptake from poultry litter [abstract]. In: Book of Abstracts of the 17th Annual Graduate Research Forum of Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. p. 35.

Technical Abstract: Manure from livestock improves soil fertility and tilt, but in areas with excessive use or high livestock production, manure could exacerbate the problems of pollution through nitrate leaching into groundwater and phosphorus runoff into surface waters. Despite these threats to sustainability, there is need for continuous livestock production e.g., poultry and use of the manures in crop production, to meet the food demands of the growing world population. In 2005, Alabama ranked fourth in poultry production in the U.S (USDA, 2006), and produces 1.8 million tons of poultry litter per year (Mitchell & Reed, 2005). As of 1997, there were 68 and 152 counties producing manure nitrogen and phosphorus respectively, exceeding county assimilative capacities in the US, among which are many Alabama counties. This study was aimed at improving plant nutrient uptake from manure with two groups of beneficial microorganisms [plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)]. Continuous corn on a 20-year rotation field was treated with four inoculants nested within two fertilizer types and two tillage systems in a split-split plot design. Growth of corn was monitored, yield per plot were estimated at harvest, and silage and grains were analyzed for nutrient content. There were two way interactions among inoculants and tillage, and among inoculants and fertilizer. Inoculants (PGPR with or without AMF) enhanced plant growth and nutrient uptake.