AGRONOMIC USE OF POULTRY-INDUSTRY WASTE

There is currently widespread agronomic use of poultry waste. However, there is need to increase use and refine current use to address both agronomic and environmental concerns. The increased emphasis on surface and groundwater protection will require proper management of all nutrients. Waste application rates must be based on comprehensive nutrient management planning that considers waste characteristics, application equipment, cropping systems and management, and soil productivity. Dissolved air flotation sludges can be used agronomically, but care must be taken to avoid physical clogging of soils. Composting normal production mortality is viable, but additional research is needed on compositing hatchery waste and, particularly, catastrophic mortality. Litter and manure will continue to increase in use as a nutrient source, but more emphasis must be placed on achieving proper agronomic loading rates. Due to land area shortages, transport of poultry waste for sale at less than cost will become common in certain areas. Agronomic utilization will continue to grow as the most common means of managing poultry waste.