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Title: RESIDUAL EFFECTS OF COMPOSTED AND FRESH SOLID SWINE (SUS SCROFA L.) MANURE ON SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERR.) GROWTH AND YIELD

Author
item MC ANDREWS, G - IA STATE UNIVERSITY
item LIEBMAN, M - IA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Cambardella, Cynthia
item RICHARD, T - IA STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Agronomy Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/14/2006
Publication Date: 6/5/2006
Citation: Mc Andrews, G.A., Liebman, M., Cambardella, C.A., Richard, T.L. 2006. Residual effects of composted and fresh solid swine (Sus scrofa l.) manure on soybean (Glycine max (l.) merr.) growth and yield. Agronomy Journal. 98(4):873-882.

Interpretive Summary: Swine production in the upper Midwest has become increasingly concentrated, resulting in larger amounts of animal manure being generated in relatively smaller areas. Composted and fresh animal manures are a rich source of plant nutrients and may even provide plant growth benefits in the second or third year after application of the manure. This study evaluated the effects of swine hoop house manure (fresh or composted) on a soybean crop that was grown two years after manure application. Soybean yield and plant nutrient concentrations were higher in the manured plots compared to chemically fertilized plots. The results demonstrate that the benefits of manure application on crop growth extend beyond the initial year of manure application. The information will be useful to scientists interested in evaluating soybean growth response to animal manures in corn-soybean production systems.

Technical Abstract: Applying livestock manure to soil is known to enhance soil fertility and crop growth, however, little information is available on the residual effects of manure on crop growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the residual effect of fresh or composted swine hoop house manure or urea fertilizer applied to a previous corn (Zea mays L.) crop on growth and yield of the subsequent soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) crop during two growing seasons for field plots located near Boone, IA. In addition to grain yield, soybean height and stem diameter measurements were taken at 34, 44, 54, 63, 75 and 85 days after planting. At growth stage R5, plants were harvested to measure LAI and tissue nutrient concentrations. Soil samples were collected to a depth of 15 cm prior to application of amendments, after corn harvest, and after soybean harvest. Soybean plants from compost and manure amended plots were significantly greater in height, stem diameter, P and K concentration, leaf area, and yield than plants from the control or urea fertilized plots.There were no significant differences detected for soil organic C, total N, Bray P, or extractable K among the amended and fertilized plots. Compost and manure application prior to growing corn resulted in detectable, positive residual effects on soybean plant parameters in the subsequent year. There was no direct correlation among amendment application, soil properties, and soybean plant characteristics, suggesting that relationships among these parameters may be indirect and complex. Research that addresses the underlying mechanisms behind experimental observations is needed to more fully understand our observations.