ABSTRACT

Concentrated areas of broiler (poultry) production in Alabama is near areas of cotton production. However, traditionally, broiler litter (the manure and bedding from poultry houses) has not been used as a source of plant nutrients on cotton primarily because of difficulty managing the nitrogen component of broiler litter. Success of this resource as a fertilizer on other crops has lead to increasing interest in its use on cotton. In 1990 through 1992, studies were conducted in northern and central Alabama to determine if broiler litter could be used effectively as a source of N for cotton. In 2 of 3 years in the Tennessee Valley and 1 of 2 years in central Alabama, total N in broiler litter was as effective as the total N in ammonium nitrate in increasing seed cotton yields. At other times, more N as broiler litter was needed. However, rates as high as 4 tons per acre or 240 pounds N per acre as broiler litter had no negative effects on cotton yields. In some cases, the higher broiler litter rates enhanced yields. Pix was effective in controlling excessive vegetative growth and enhancing yields in only 1 of 5 site-years. Neither 120 pounds N as ammonium nitrate nor broiler litter at 4 tons per acre (approximately 240 pounds total N per acre) resulted in excessive extractable soil nitrate or ammonium levels in the fall of 1990 and 1992. However, 1991 yields at Tennessee Valley indicated significant residual soil N from broiler litter applied in 1990.