Using Pasture Renovators to Reduce Phosphorus and Nitrogen Runoff. (4549)
Authors:
P.A. Moore* - USDA-ARS, Fayetteville, AR S.J. Formica - ADEQ, Little Rock, AR
M.A. Van Eps - ADEQ, Little Rock, AR
P.B. DeLaune - University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
Abstract:
Pasture renovators have been shown to improve forage yields, at least during drier years when water is limiting growth. The increased productivity has been attributed to improved water use as a result of increased infiltration and reduced surface runoff of rainwater. The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of pasture renovation (aeration) on the hydrology of pastures (infiltration and runoff) and on phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) runoff. Rainfall simulation studies were conducted using small plots. Two locations were utilized in the Piney Creek Basin in Arkansas. There were three fertilizer treatments evaluated for each soil; (1) unfertilized, (2) 8.97 Mg poultry litter/ha (4 tons/acre), and (3) 46,728 L swine manure/ha (5,000 gal/acre). The amount of surface runoff was reduced by 45% on plots that had been renovated. Likewise, total N and P loads in runoff were reduced by 55 and 43%, respectively, over a one year period. Heavy metal (As, Cu, and Zn) loads were also significantly lower from renovated plots. Forage yields were
improved by 27% with renovation. In 2004 another rainfall simulation study was initiated at a third location to validate these findings. The results from this study followed the same trends, indicating that pasture renovation is a best management practice that can be used to reduce nutrient runoff from pastures, while improving productivity.
Speaker Information: Philip Moore, USDA-ARS, Fayetteville, AR, Plant Sciences 115 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701; Phone: 479-575-5724; E-mail:
Session Information: Thursday, November 4, 2004, 8:55 AM-10:10 AM Presentation Start: 9:15 AM
Keywords: Renovator; runoff; phosphorus; eutrophication
