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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #251945
Title: Evaluation of Composted Poultry Litter as a Substrate Amendment for WholeTree, Clean Chip Residual, and Pinebark for Container Grown Woody Nursery Crops

Author
item MARBLE, S - Auburn University
item GILLIAM, C - Auburn University
item SIBLEY, J - Auburn University
item FAIN, G - Auburn University
item Torbert, Henry - Allen
item GALLAGHER, T - Auburn University
item OLIVE, J - Auburn University

Submitted to: Journal of Environmental Horticulture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/10/2010
Publication Date: 6/1/2010
Citation: Marble, S.C., Gilliam, C.H., Sibley, J.L., Fain, G.B., Torbert III, H.A., Gallagher, T.V., Olive, J.W. 2010. Evaluation of composted poultry litter as a substrate amendment for wholetree, clean chip residual, and pinebark for container grown woody nursery crops. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 28:107-116.

Interpretive Summary: Research was conducted to evaluate composted poultry litter as an amendment with pine bark, WholeTree, and clean chip residual substrates for use in container production of five woody ornamental species. Results indicate that these species can be grown in WholeTree and clean chip residual substrates 6:1 (v:v) with composted poultry litter. Use of composted poultry litter in WholeTree and clean chip residual substrates could provide an alternative to traditional pine bark and peat based combinations in container production while providing poultry producers an environmentally sound means of waste disposal.

Technical Abstract: WholeTree (WT) and Clean Chip Residual (CCR) are potential new nursery substrates that are by-products of the forestry industry containing high wood content. Initial immobilization of nitrogen is one concern when using these new substrates; however the addition of composted poultry litter (CPL) to substrates containing high wood content could balance initial nitrogen immobilization and provide an inexpensive fertilizer source for growers. This study evaluated five woody nursery species being grown in WT, CCR, and pinebark (PB) with the addition of CPL or peat as a substrate amendment. Results indicate that these species can be grown successfully in WT and CCR substrates 6:1 (v:v) with CPL. Use of CPL in WT and CCR substrates may provide an alternative to traditional PB plus peat based combinations in container plant production while providing poultry producers an environmentally sound means of waste disposal.