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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 #319002
Title: Soil physicochemical properties after 10 years of animal waste applications

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: Soil Science Society of America Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2015
Publication Date: 6/25/2015
Citation: Schlegel, A.J., Yared, A., Bond, D.H., Wetter, S.M., Stone, L.R. 2015. Soil physicochemical properties after 10 years of animal waste applications. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 79:711-719.

Interpretive Summary: Cattle and swine manures are readily available on the Southern High Plains as alternative source of plant nutrient to commercial fertilizers. However, optimum application rates are poorly defined. Scientist from Kansas State University in the ARS led Ogallala Aquifer evaluated the long-term effects of land applications of cattle and swine waste, and inorganic fertilizer on selected soil chemical and physical properties. Cattle manure application increased soil phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon P, and organic matter (OM) concentrations. Increases in soil OM increased soil water content and steady-state water infiltration rate. These results indicated that manure application increased the ability of the soil to retain water and these results are of interest to other scientists and farmers and crop consultants.

Technical Abstract: Application of animal waste to cropland provides a method of waste disposal and benefits both soil and crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of land application of animal waste and inorganic fertilizer on selected soil chemical and physical properties. The animal waste applications were conducted from 1999 through 2008 near Tribune, KS, with 10 treatments (three levels each of cattle manure and swine effluent [P, N, and 2N], three levels of N fertilizer, and a control). Soil chemical and physical properties were measured to evaluate the effect of 10 yr of application of these treatments. Cattle manure application at the 2N level increased Mehlich-3 P, total N, total C, and organic matter (OM) concentrations to about 19, 2.8, 2.5, and 2.5 times, respectively, compared with those of the untreated check. Physical properties of the soil such as water content at -1.5 MPa, modulus of rupture, Proctor maximum bulk density, and optimum water content for compaction improved with the application of cattle manure. Highly significant relationships (P < 0.001) were observed between soil OM and soil water content at -1.5 MPa, both Proctor maximum and field bulk densities, optimum water content for compaction, and steady-state infiltration rate. Cattle manure treatments improved soil resistance to compaction, largely due to the additional OM that builds in soil with the application of cattle manure.