Effects of Solid and Liquid Beef Manure and Liquid Hog Manure on Soil Characteristics and on Growth, Yield, and Composition of Corn
1977
Evans, S. D. | Goodrich, P. R. | Munter, R. C. | Smith, R. E.
Solid beef (SB), liquid beef (LB), and liquid hog (LH) manures were applied at 224, 636, and 636 metric tons/ha (wet weight), respectively, for 2 successive years to a soil cropped to corn (Zea mays L.). The residual effects of the applications were studied for 2 additional years. The effects of the manure treatments were compared to an inorganic fertilizer (IF) treatment and a check (CK) treatment. Corn grain yields from the manure-treated plots were not significantly different from the IF treatment in any year. All manure treatments significantly increased the N, P, and K levels and decreased the Ca and Mg levels in the plant tissue and grain in some years, as compared to the IF treatment. Phosphorus, K, and Mn concentrations in the ear leaves were at an “excess” level in some cases. Leaching of NO₃⁻ below the root zone of corn occurred by the end of the second season. Decreases in the Cl⁻/NO₃⁻-N ratio above 120 cm indicated NO₃⁻-N uptake by corn and denitrification. Below 120 cm the ratio was constant, indicating no uptake or denitrification. In the manure-treated plots there were large increases in electrical conductivity, with LB > SB > LH. The salt levels were high enough to cause wilting of young plants, but not high enough to depress corn grain yield. Because of the rapid movement of NO₃⁻ below the rooting depth of corn, and the detrimental effects of the salts, these rates of manure were considered too high for continued annual application, even though grain yields were not affected.
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