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Nutrient Fate & Transport Associated with Poultry Litter Stock Piles
The PI’s on this project are Dr. Gary Felton, Dr. E.Collins (VPI) and Dr. B. Ross (SU). The sponsor for this project is US EPA - Chesapeake Bay Program with funding at $94,722. The duration of the project was October 2000 - September 2002.
Description: The effects of poultry litter stockpiles on nutrient availability and movement were evaluated for the major poultry producing regions in Virginia and Maryland. The effect of covering stockpiles with tarps was compared to properly built uncovered piles. In each of the two states, two areas of the poultry-producing region were used. The effects of poultry litter stockpiles on nutrient availability and movement were evaluated for the major poultry producing regions in Maryland. The effect of covering stockpiles with tarps was compared to uncovered piles. An upland Coastal Plain soil and a lowland Coastal Plain soil were used. Surface runoff was captured and nutrient analysis was done. Subsurface flow was sampled for nutrient content. In runoff water, covering piles resulted in a 9% reduction in nitrate on a sandy soil, but had no advantage on a silty clay loam. Orthophosphate concentrations were reduced by a factor of 47 on the sandy loam soil but were again unaffected on the silt clay loam soil. Uniformly, covering plots reduced the nitrate concentration in soil water beneath the plots, regardless of soil type. This work was considered by MDE as guidance for stockpiles was developed.
For more information, contact Dr. Gary Felton
Last updated: 04/9/2009
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