Short-term Effects of Poultry Litter Form and Rate on Soil Bulk Density and Water Content

Poultry litter is an organic amendment that has been used successfully as an alternative nutrient source to inorganic, commercial fertilizers. Poultry litter also has the potential to improve other aspects of soil quality. However, few field studies have been conducted to ascertain the effects of poultry litter on soil physical properties. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the short-term effects of poultry litter form (i.e., fresh vs. pelletized) and rate on soil bulk density and water content and early-season stand development in three fine-textured soils of the Mississippi River Delta region of eastern Arkansas that are commonly cropped to rice (Oryza sativa L.). Six litter rates were used representing a range of total nitrogen (N) rates. Soil samples were collected from the 0- to 10-cm depth between four and six weeks after litter application and incorporation for bulk density and volumetric water content determination. Leaf area index was measured as an indicator of early-season s...