Assessing Tillage Systems for Reducing Ammonia Volatilization from Spring-Applied Slurry Manure

The effect of tillage management on NH3-N volatilization and its influence on succeeding corn (Zea mays L.) silage production were studied at the University of Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station (South Deerfield, MA) during 2010-2012 growing seasons. Tillage treatments consisted of disking before and after manure application, solid-tine aeration before and after manure application, and no-till management. The greatest NH3-N loss (61 percent) occurred within the first 8h after slurry manure application regardless of tillage management. The greatest NH3-N emission occurred with surface application (no-till), which ranged between 5.2 and 10.3kg NH3-Nha(-1) (9-20 percent of NH3-N applied) over the 3years of the study. Immediate incorporation of manure into soil through disking reduced NH3-N loss by 66 to 75 percent. Ammonia loss abatement with aeration before or after manure application ranged from 13 to 41 percent compared with surface manure application. Tillage management did not influence corn silage yield or quality.