Changes in soil nutrients after 10 years of cattle manure and swine effluent application

Application of cattle manure and swine effluent to cropland builds nutrient pools, affects soil quality, and increases crop productivity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the rate of change in soil nutrient concentration and soil chemical properties due to cattle manure and swine effluent application. The study was conducted from 1999 to 2008 near Tribune, KS, with 10 treatments (three levels each of cattle manure and swine effluent [P, N, and 2N], three levels of N fertilizer, and a control). Soil NO3-N, P, K, micronutrients, pH, and EC were measured annually. Swine P treatment resulted in significantly greater NO3-N concentration in most years compared with all other treatments, followed by the Cattle 2N and Swine 2N treatments. The cattle treatments, in the order Cattle 2N > Cattle N > Cattle P, built the total N, soil P, and total C level significantly over the years compared with all other treatments. Soil pH did not change over time for most treatments except for the Swine P and Swine 2N treatments. Soil K, Cl, Fe, Zn, and Cu concentration increased significantly in cattle and swine treatments in 2008 compared with their initial level in 1999, and compared with check and inorganic fertilizer treatments. A significant build up in soil nutrients due to cattle and swine nutrient application suggests that they are good sources of many essential nutrients, in places where nutrients are limiting, but can cause excessive accumulation and increased environmental risk. A quick build up from Cattle 2N and Swine P applications calls for lower rates and periodic soil tests to determine need for further applications.