The impact of pH on nitrogen retention in laboratory analysis of broiler litter

Land application of broiler litter must fully regard agronomic and environmental issues, which requires increased precision in all aspects of land application of poultry litter. Previous researchers note that litter experiences significant nitrogen loss due to ammonia volatilization during the drying process. Others note that pH of poultry houses and litter significantly affects nitrogen loss due to ammonia volatilization. Recent work shows that acidifying agents effectively reduce ammonia generation in poultry production facilities. This concept is used in this study to adjust the pH of broiler litter samples prior to drying to reduce nitrogen loss during the drying process. Samples from four sources were used. Untreated litter was compared to litter treated with Al2(SO4)3, (10:1 wet weight basis) either in small (10 g) or large (100 g batches). Both Al2(SO4)3 treatment methods significantly lowered litter sample pH. No significant differences were observed in litter moisture analysis values. Regardless of source, litter treated in small batches had significantly higher nitrogen values than untreated litter. Large batches of treated litter did not consistently have higher nitrogen values than untreated litter. Treatment of litter samples with Al2(SO4)3 prior to drying resulted in more accurate quantification of nitrogen in litter, which can ultimately result in more accurate utilization of litter in agronomic applications.