Project Number: 6445-12630-003-02
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Feb 01, 2005
End Date: Oct 31, 2007

Objective:
To investigate innovative methods of poultry litter application, particularly sub-surface banding in the production of forages and row crops to improve agronomic benefits and reduce enviromental problems related to poultry litter application.

Approach:
A prototype poultry litter applicator developed by the ARS unit in Auburn, AL, makes it possible to sub-surface band poultry litter beneath the soil surface. This developement, if proved economically feasible, will make it possible to protect litter from offsite movement in surface runoff thus reducing the potential for stream pollution. It can also reduce odor problems and ammonia loss associated with broadcast application of litter. Scientists at Alabama A&M University will cooperate with scientists from the Animal Waste Management Research Unit at Bowling Green, Kentucky, to study various aspects of the sub-surface band placement of broiler litter including crop yield, nutrient uptake, effect on seasonal distribution of forage growth and movement of N and P laterally and vertically from the litter band. This research will also be used as an opportunity to train an M.S. level minority graduate student in enviromental science in the future.