Peanut Yield Response to Poultry Litter and Municipal Sludge Application

The use of poultry litter and sewage sludge as a nutrient source continues to increase. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of these organic by-products as a source of nutrients for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production. From 1995 to 1998 poultry litter was applied on 13 on-farm sites and composted municipal sludge was used in three of these on-farm experiments. Fertilizer was also applied in all experiments. Rates of poultry litter ranged from 1.9 to 7.2 Mg ha−1. Composted sewage sludge rate was 2.0, 4.0, and 8.1 Mg ha−1. Commercial fertilizer was mixed and applied mixed together at 180, 40, and 111 kg ha−1 for nitrogen (N), P2O5 and K2O, respectively. Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were also supplied separately at a rate of 40 and 111 kg ha−1, respectively. Seven of 13 sites had increased yield as a result of poultry litter. Fertilizer increased yield in only two experiments. Sludge increased yield in only one experiment and only the highest rate. At one site, poultry litter gave a greater yield than fertilizer when both increased yield above the control. Treatments did not influence total sound mature kernels percentage (TSMK).