J.H. Roberts1, C.W. Wood2, David Bransby3, and Brenda H. Wood2. (1) Auburn Univeristy, Auburn, AL, (2) Auburn University, Agronomy & Soils Dept., 202 Funchess Hall, Auburn Universtiy, AL 36849-5412, (3) Dept of Agronomy & Soils, 202 Funchess Hall, Auburn Univ, AL 36849-5412
Gasification of poultry litter produces a waste product that contains phosphorus, potassium, and plant secondary and micronutrients. This study is being conducted to determine fertilizer value of the waste char. Focus will be on phosphorus as a growth limiting nutrient. Samples were analyzed on the ICAP to determine total nutrient content. An ion selective electrode was used to measure pH, and a 1:1 slurry with a conductivity bridge was used to determine EC. The char was found to have a pH of 9.8 and an EC of 1.26 Sm-1. The gasification process decreased N content from 33 g kg-1 to 10 g kg-1, increased C from 320 g kg-1 to 347 g kg-1, and decreased moisture from 230 g kg-1 to 50 g kg-1. The char contains (as received, g kg-1) 46 P, 79 K, 77 Ca, 19 Mg, 2 Mn, and .5 Zn. Extraction studies to determine water and ammonium citrate soluble P and K are ongoing. Greenhouse and incubation studies are also ongoing, and will provide information on nutrient availability from poultry litter char.
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