ISSN 2756-3863
International Journal of Manures and Fertilizers ISSN 2331-4869 Vol. 4 (2), pp. 001-009, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Phytotoxicity of uncomposted and composted poultry manure
M. Mar Delgado1*, José V. Martin1, Rosario Miralles De Imperial1, Cristina León-Cófreces2 and M. Cruz. García2
1Environmental Department, INIA, Ctra. La Coruña Km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
2Agricultural Technological Institute of Castilla y Leon, Finca Zamadueñas, 47071 Valladolid, Castilla y Leon, Spain.
Accepted 13 July, 2008
Abstract
Different uncomposted and composted poultry manure types (laying hen and broiler), mixed at increasing rates (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) with two amended peat substrates, were tested to study the phytotoxicity using the cress (Lepidium sativum, L.) germination method. The results showed that composting generally reduced the phytotoxicity of the manure mixtures. The germination index was highest in both amended peat substrates. When the peat substrates were mixed with uncomposted poultry manure, only the rate of 25% of uncomposted poultry manure from laying hens showed reduced toxicity. These was not phytotoxicity when the poultry manure was composted in rates of 25, 50 and 75% of deep-pit manure from laying hens and in rates of 25 - 50% of the poultry manures from stock piled, deep litter and broiler litter in mixtures with both peat substrates.
Key words: Uncomposted poultry manure, composted poultry manure, phytotoxicity, germination index, ammonia concentration, electrical conductivity.