Testosterone and 17-Beta Estradiol in Runoff From Grasslands Fertilized with Broiler Litter.

Broiler litter contains the naturally-excreted hormones testosterone and 17-beta estradiol, which can contaminate surface runoff  when broiler litter is used as fertilizer. This study was carried out to evaluate the concentration of testosterone and 17-beta estradiol in runoff from grasslands receiving broiler litter.  Ten 0.8-ha watersheds on tall fescue/bermudagrass  were instrumented to measure surface runoff and collect runoff samples.  From March 2008 until October 2010, six watersheds received broiler litter applications at 2.5 Mg/ha in March and October of each year, whereas the other  four watersheds were used as controls (inorganic fertilizer only).  Results show elevated levels of both hormones in runoff immediately after broiler litter application, with concentrations decreasing rapidly thereafter.