Long-term effect of poultry litter application on phosphorus balances and runoff losses

Assessment of annual and cumulative impacts of phosphorus (P) management strategies at field and watershed scales is needed to improve crop use efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. The objectives of this study were (a) to assess relationships among P balance, soil test P (STP) concentration, and runoff dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentration from fields receiving different poultry litter application rates (0.0-13.4 Mg ha(-1)) and (b) to determine the effect of long-term poultry litter application to fields on watershed DRP loss. Nutrient management practices, crop yield, STP, and runoff losses were assessed from nine fields and two watersheds located near Riesel, TX, from 2000 to 2015. Field-scale P balances were largely controlled by P application rate and exhibited a positive relationship with STP and runoff DRP flow-weighted mean concentration. Using a before-after control-impact experimental design that included monitoring at both field and watershed scales showed the influence of field P management on watershed DRP loss varied according to both source (i.e., P application rate, impacted area) and transport (i.e., hydrological connectivity) factors. Increased risk of watershed DRP loss was observed during wet years and years with two poultry litter applications to fields within the watershed. The percentage of the total watershed area receiving high rates of poultry litter also played a critical role in determining the risk of DRP loss. Findings highlight the impact of long-term P management strategies on DRP loss at both field and watershed scales and show the importance of incorporating hydrologic connectivity when assessing conservation effects on water quality.