L.E. Sturgeon1, C.W. Wood1, J.P. Fulton2, and Brenda H. Wood1. (1) Auburn University, Agronomy & Soils Dept., 202 Funchess Hall, Auburn Universtiy, AL 36849-5412, (2) Auburn Univ, 200 Corley Bldg, Biosystesm Engineering Dept, Auburn, AL 36849
When transportation costs are considered, densified poultry litter used as fertilizer could be transported further than raw poultry litter.
This study aims to determine whether densification of broiler litter changes the nutrient content of litter. Broiler litter was subjected to approximately 193 MPa of pressure and compacted into 30.5 x 30.5 x 20 cm bricks. Samples are being collected at various time periods over a one year period to determine differences in nutrient content, temperature, and density. Samples collected up to 14 days after densification show a decrease in nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) concentrations over time. Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations increased in the bricks of litter for the same fourteen day period. The pH of litter bricks also increased from 7.5 to 8.7. The density of samples decreased over time from 1109 kg m-3 to 952 kg m-3. Internal temperature of litter bricks increased and then decreased to ambient temperature within 14 days. As the density of poultry litter bricks decreases, N and C concentrations decrease. It is likely that N and C loss are due to microbial respiration in the litter. Phosphorus and potassium, however, increase in concentration over time because of the decrease in brick density. Temperature increases and decreases are likely due to increased microbial activity in the first several days after compaction, and a decrease in activity over time until internal temperature reaches ambient temperature. The nutrient content of densified poultry litter will decrease and then level off after compaction. Densification could lower transportation costs of poultry litter.
See more of Graduate Student Poster Competition--Soils
See more of The 2007 SAAS Convention
