Soybean yields have increased substantially in recent decades due to better management of improved varieties. In order to sustain high yields, we need to test, find, and use sustainable nutrient management practices. Poultry litter and cover crops are two attractive choices in developing sustainable nutrient management practices for soybean production. This project involves two components. In the first component, we will take litter samples from a variety of poultry houses to find variation in the total fertilizer substitution value of litter. The second component of the trial is to conduct field trials to study the interacting effect of cover crop and poultry litter on soybean production and profitability and soil health. The proposed research will generate new information that will make Soybean production more sustainable in South Carolina.

1. Calculate the total fertilizer value for primary (N, P, and K), secondary (Ca, Mg, and K), and micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, and Na) in pounds and dollars per ton of litter.
2. Evaluate the response of soybean yield to poultry litter application rates (0, 1, and 2 tons per acre) when grown in rotation with and without multi-species cover crops.
3. Determine the interacting effect of poultry litter and cover crops on soil health parameters.
4. Calculate net profits of using cover crop and poultry litter in soybean production.

Outputs will be a better understanding of poultry litter and its fertilizer use values in soybean production. The results from this study will be presented to extension agents and producers in field days and winter meetings. We are planning to do this trial for two years. At the end of the second year, results will be compiled into an extension article made available for stakeholders along with a short (< 5 minutes) YouTube video.

Updated April 14, 2021:

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Updated July 15, 2021:

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Updated October 15, 2021:

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Updated December 16, 2021:

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Updated January 19, 2022:

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Outputs will be a better understanding of poultry litter and its fertilizer use values in soybean production.

The ability of the poultry litter to enhance growth and soybean yield will be quantified and analyzed at the end of the field trial. Economic cost/return sheets can be developed to determine how profitable the treatments are. Surveys at Soybean meeting in 2021 and 2022 will determine how many growers have adopted this strategy.