Kent Gallaher1, Bethany Dru Stevens1, and Raymond Gallaher2. (1) Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Abilene Christian University, ACU Box 27986, Abilene, TX 79699, (2) Agronomy Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 2600 Sw Williston Rd. #621, Gainesville, FL 32608
Studies were conducted in 2005 and 2006 at Abilene Christian University's Rhoden Field Laboratory to determine the effect of composted cattle manure on corn (Zea mays L.) yield and soil fertility. Treatments were based on compost N content and simulated the addition of fertilizer treatments of 0, 120, 240, 360, and 480 Kg N ha-1. The study site was a Leeray Clay (fine montmorillonitic, thermic Typic Chromusterts). In each year, initial soil nutrient, pH, cation exchange capacity, and organic matter data were collected prior to compost application. Ear yield data and final soil samples were collected at the end of the study. Yield was 5.6, 4.6, 5.8, 7.2, and 10.7 Mg ha-1 in 2005 (P = 0.0016) and 0.3, 0.5, 1.4, 1.9, and 3.3 Mg ha-1 in 2006 (P = 0.0000014) for the compost treatments corresponding to 0, 120, 240, 360, and 480 kg N ha-1, respectively. For the 2005 data, although a yield trend relative to N rate was indicated, LSD (3.8 Mg ha-1) only confirmed one true rate difference; the 480 kg N ha-1 rate produced significantly higher yields than the other treatments. Although yields were much lower in 2006 than in 2005, there were greater differences among treatment means (LSD 1.0 Mg ha-1), demonstrating a clear treatment effect on crop yield. Soil data from 2005 and 2006 demonstrated a close correlation between compost treatments and corresponding increases in soil N and organic matter. This research supports the use of composted cattle manure to increase corn yield and improve soil fertility.
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