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Changes in soil nitrogen and phosphorus under different broiler production systems
Sylvia Kratz1, Jutta Rogasik, Ewald Schnug
1Institute of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Federal Agricultural Research Center (FAL), Bundesallee 50, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany. sylvia.kratz@fal.de
Journal of Environmental Quality
|September 10, 2004
Summary
Free-range and organic broiler farming leads to high soil nitrogen and phosphorus levels in heavily used areas, increasing environmental risks. Intensive indoor systems may be more environmentally neutral for nutrient management.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Free-range and organic broiler production systems are increasingly common.
- Understanding nutrient distribution in soils under these systems is crucial for environmental management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in conventional free-range and organic broiler runs.
- To investigate the relationship between broiler use intensity and soil nutrient accumulation.
Main Methods:
- Field study analyzing soil N and P in broiler runs over two years.
- Identification of zones with varying use intensity by broilers.
- Comparison of mean zonal nutrient contents.
Main Results:
- Broiler fecal N input led to soil mineral nitrogen (N(min)) accumulation up to 90 cm depth.
- Highly frequented zones exceeded grassland N requirements, risking ammonia volatilization and nitrate leaching.
- Broiler fecal P input resulted in accumulation of plant-available P (P(CAL), P(w)) in intensely used zones, increasing P loss risk.
Conclusions:
- Free-range and organic broiler farming can lead to significant soil nutrient accumulation in specific areas.
- Intensive indoor production might offer a more environmentally neutral approach regarding soil nutrient loss compared to free-range systems.
- Environmental risk assessment must consider localized nutrient hotspots and the management of broiler litter.