ARS | Publication request: Effect of Litter Amendments on Microbial and Nitrogen Dynamics in Poultry Houses

Submitted to: Poultry International Exposition
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 18, 2010
Publication Date: January 11, 2011
Citation: Cook, K.L., Rothrock Jr, M.J., Parekh, R.R., Warren, J.G., Lovanh, N.C., Sistani, K.R. 2011. Effect of Litter Amendments on Microbial and Nitrogen Dynamics in Poultry Houses. Poultry International Exposition. Meeting - No page numbers.

Technical Abstract: Poultry litter is a valuable nutrient source for crop production Successful management to reduce ammonia and any harmful side-effects on poultry and the environment can be aided by the use of poultry litter amendments. Acidifier amendments are commonly added to poultry litter in houses to decrease ammonia volatilization and reduce toxic compounds. Although microorganisms are responsible for ammonia production, little has been done to evaluate how they respond to litter amendment. Objectives: Evaluate the effect of litter amendments on bacteria and fungi involved in the production of ammonia. Determine the effect on litter amendments on nitrogen dynamics in the litter. Data from these studies suggests that acidifiers reduce ammonia emissions by both biological and chemical means. Addition of acidifier amendments to litter reduced total and organic nitrogen loss and decreased ammonia producing bacterial populations. Organic nitrogen loss from acidifier amended litter is likely due to increases in ammonia producing fungal microorganisms.