Evaluating optimum seeding distances from subsurface banding poultry litter in crop rotations

Abstract

Poultry litter is a nutrient-dense fertilizer, but surface applications lead to nutrient losses to air, soil, and water. Objectives were to evaluate optimum subsurface-applied poultry litter bands from crop seeding distance in a corn (Zea Mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation. Soil amendment treatments included planting 13, 25, and 38 cm from subsurface-banded poultry litter, surface-applied poultry litter, inorganic nitrogen (N), and 0 kg N ha⁻¹ (control) in Year 1, followed by soybean in Year 2 (no new soil amendment applications). Across subsurface treatments, corn grain and silage yields were 45 and 30% greater compared with surface applications, respectively, with inorganic N not differing from 25- and 38-cm bands during grain harvest. In Year 2, subsurface-banded soybean grain yields were 26% greater than with inorganic N. Consequently, subsurface banding poultry litter may be an ecologically and agronomicallyviable replacement for surface litter applications in corn silage and grain systems and inorganic N in corn–soybean rotations.