Impact of Subsurface Applying Poultry Litter On Reducing P Losses in Surface Water Runoff in a Permanent Pasture.

Interest in manure management and its effects on phosphorus (P) loss to the environment has increased in recent years. Research has shown that surface application of manure to agricultural fields prior to an intensive rainfall event can increase P loss in surface water runoff. To prevent nutrient loss to the environment, it is imperative that better management practices and new technologies are developed to minimize and mitigate P loss. In this study, we evaluate subsurface application of poultry litter in two drastically different soil types using a new subsurface bander. Treatments consisted of poultry litter (subsurface banded vs. surface application), commercial fertilizer, and a control.  In an established pasture, poultry litter was applied at a rate of 9 Mg ha^-1 to each plot prior to a simulated rainfall event.  Soil types consisted of Piedmont and Coastal Plain soils. Phosphorus loss in surface water runoff was determined by collecting runoff at 10 min intervals during the 40 min simulated rainfall event. Results from this study will show the impact that these fertilizer application practices will have on nutrient loss to the environment.