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Phosphorus and nitrogen in runoff after phosphorus- or nitrogen-based manure applications
Jim J Miller1, David S Chanasyk, Tony W Curtis
1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Canada. millerjj@agr.gc.ca
Journal of Environmental Quality
|May 7, 2011
Summary
Applying phosphorus (P)-based manure, either annually or triennially, significantly reduced P concentrations in runoff compared to nitrogen (N)-based applications. Triennial P-based application showed no environmental disadvantage over annual P-based application for P and N runoff.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Manure application based on nitrogen (N) needs can elevate soil phosphorus (P) levels.
- Runoff from agricultural lands can contribute to water body eutrophication.
- Feedlot manure application impacts soil nutrient levels and water quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of annual and triennial P-based and annual N-based feedlot manure applications on P and N concentrations in runoff.
- To compare the environmental impact of different manure application strategies on water quality.
- To determine optimal manure management practices for reducing nutrient runoff.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year field study was conducted on a Lethbridge loam soil cropped to dryland barley.
- Annual and triennial P-based and annual N-based manure applications were compared to an unamended control.
- Runoff was generated using a portable rainfall simulator and analyzed for various P and N fractions.
Main Results:
- Annual or triennial P-based application significantly reduced dissolved P fractions in runoff compared to annual N-based application.
- Dissolved reactive P concentrations were lower with P-based applications, especially triennial P-based, than with annual N-based application.
- Nitrogen (N) fractions in runoff were not significantly affected by shifting from N-based to P-based manure application.
Conclusions:
- P-based manure application strategies are more effective in reducing P runoff than N-based strategies.
- Triennial P-based manure application offers similar environmental benefits regarding P and N runoff as annual P-based application.
- Shifting to P-based manure application does not significantly alter N runoff concentrations.
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