Comparison of broiler poultry litter and commercial fertilizer for coastal bermudagrass production in the southeastern US

Animal waste, such as broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) litter, may be an economical alternative to commercial fertilizer for forage producers as the number of confined animal feeding operations increases and commercial fertilizer prices rise. Four levels of commercial fertilizer (N-P2O5-K2O ratio of 3-1-2) were compared with 4 or 8 tons of broiler litter/acre applied in a single or split application to 'Coastal' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) on a Coastal Plain soil for 2 years. Applying broiler litter in a single application in late spring resulted in 10 to 20% higher yields and improved nutrient uptake compared with a split application between late spring and midsummer. Using regression of commercial fertilizer rate and bermudagrass yield, 62% of the N at the 4 ton rate and 60% of the N at the 8 ton rate in broiler litter were estimated to be available the first year. Crude protein and P concentrations in the forage were more sensitive to nutrient source and rate than were K, Ca and Mg. Recovery of P from the broiler litter treatments was low because of the high application rates (302 to 920 Ib P2O5/acre). Phosphorus, K, Mg and salt (E.C.) levels in the 0 to 6 inches soil depth were significantly higher in plots receiving broiler litter than commercial fertilizer. At the 6 to 12 inches depth, P, Na and E.C. levels were higher in plots treated with broiler litter than commercial fertilizer. The most efficient and economical use of broiler litter as a source of nutrients for hybrid bermudagrass production would be in combination with additional N fertilizer based on annual soil tests to utilize the other excess nutrients contained in broiler litter.