Seepage from deep bedded and poultry litter systems.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Livestock operations, including turkey facilities, can impact soil and groundwater quality.
• Nutrient leaching from agricultural sites is a significant environmental concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the potential for groundwater pollution by nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) from turkey facilities.
• To investigate the impact of soil type (clay vs. sandy) on nutrient leaching.
• To evaluate nutrient (NO3-N, P, K) accumulation in soils associated with different livestock operations.

Main Methods:

• Soil samples were collected at four depths from turkey facilities on clay and sandy soils.
• Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) levels were analyzed.
• Data from turkey facilities were compared with swine hoop houses and a dairy feedlot.

Main Results:

• Elevated NO3-N levels were found in clay soils at multiple depths, suggesting potential groundwater contamination.
• Sandy soils showed varied NO3-N levels, with some depths exceeding background levels.
• Significant increases in topsoil potassium (K) were observed in both clay and sandy turkey facilities.
• No significant phosphorus (P) increases were detected in soils from turkey facilities.
• Younger swine hoop houses (<3-4 years) did not appear to pose a groundwater threat.
• A long-term dairy feedlot (>20 years) showed no NO3-N or P leaching but had elevated topsoil K.

Conclusions:

• Turkey facilities pose a potential risk for groundwater pollution by NO3-N, particularly on clay soils.
• Potassium accumulation in topsoil is a common finding across different livestock operations.
• Further investigation is needed to confirm findings and assess long-term impacts.