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Phosphorus and nitrogen in rainfall simulation runoff after fresh and composted beef cattle manure application
Jim J Miller1, Edith C S Olson, David S Chanasyk
1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1 Canada. millerjj@agr.gc.ca
Journal of Environmental Quality
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Composted manure (CM) application to cropland results in lower phosphorus and nitrogen in runoff compared to fresh manure (FM). This study compared runoff quality from FM and CM applied to irrigated barley fields over two years.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Traditionally, fresh manure (FM) is applied to southern Alberta cropland.
- There's a growing trend of using composted manure (CM) in the region.
- Runoff quality differences between FM and CM application were previously uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare surface runoff quality under varying application rates of FM and CM.
- To assess the impact of two consecutive annual applications on nutrient levels in runoff.
- To investigate the relationship between manure application and nutrient concentrations in clay loam soil.
Main Methods:
- Applied FM and CM at rates of 0, 13, 42, and 83 Mg ha(-1) dry weight to irrigated barley fields over two years (1999-2000).
- Collected and analyzed surface runoff for total phosphorus (TP), particulate phosphorus (PP), dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), total nitrogen (TN), NH4-N, and NO3-N.
- Examined relationships between nutrient loads/concentrations and application rates, soil extractable P, and soil water-extractable P.
Main Results:
- After two years, FM application led to significantly higher TP, DRP, and NH4-N concentrations in runoff compared to CM.
- Higher DRP and TN loads were observed with FM than CM.
- TP and DRP concentrations in runoff were significantly influenced by application rate, with steeper increases for FM in the second year.
Conclusions:
- Composted manure application may reduce phosphorus and nitrogen in surface runoff compared to fresh manure.
- The effect of manure type on runoff quality is influenced by application rate and annual variations.
- Soil-P interactions play a key role in controlling phosphorus release into runoff.
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