ISSN 2756-3863
International Journal of Manures and Fertilizers Vol. 1 (7), pp. 130-135, July, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Hindrances to the use of Manure in phosphorus and sediment in run-off
Ajith J. Saad, Abdullah E. Ibrahim and Kumar C
Department of Agriculture, Al Ghurair University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Accepted 12 June, 2012
Abstract
Surface application of animal manure increases nutrients at the soil surface with increased potential for nutrient loss in runoff. Non-application setbacks are often required with the intent to reduce nutrient loss to surface water. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of setback distance on phosphorus and sediment in runoff. The research was conducted in eastern Nebraska on 24 ha of a terraced field with a 4 to 7% slope and predominantly Yutan silty clay loam Mollic Hapludalf soil. Experimental units were drainage areas served by risers for the tile-outlet terrace system. The seven treatments included no manure applied and setbacks with radii of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 m; the setback distances were limited on the terrace side by the top of the terrace bund. Composted feedlot manure was applied at approximately 74 Mg ha-1 with 222 kg Pha-1 applied. Over a two-year period, the mean precipitation was 770 mm per year and six major runoff events occurred. Setback distance did not affect dissolved P, particulate P, total P, and sediment concentrations or losses except that sediment loss was greater by 51% with increased setback distance, confirming the value of manure in reducing soil erodibility. Sediment and P concentrations were related to time since the on-set of a runoff event and peak intensity of rainfall events. The results show that manure application setbacks around risers on fields protected with tile-outlet terraces are ineffective in reducing P and sediment runoff.
Key words: CAFO, compost, concentrated animal feeding operations, ISCO, terraces, water quality.