Effect of Sub-Surface Incorporation of Dry Poultry Litter on Nutrient Runoff from No-Till Soils.

Nutrient runoff from poultry litter amended soils is a primary concern on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, which abuts the eutrophic Chesapeake Bay estuary. We compared conventional methods of litter application (surface application with and without plowing) with the incorporation of litter using a novel technology developed by USDA-ARS to assess losses of N and P in runoff from no-till soils.  Lysimeters (60 x 60 x 60 cm) were collected from an Othello soil (fine-silty, mixed, active, mesic Typic Endoaquult) after litter was applied at a rate of approximately 0.8 Mg/ha. Lysimeters were subject to rainfall simulations to compare runoff associated with the alternative litter application methods. An assessment was made among runoff nitrogen, phosphorus and erosion. Results are expected to support the recommendation of improved manure management methods for water quality protection.