Composted Turkey Litter: I. Effect on Chemical and Physical Properties of a Pine Bark Substrate

Abstract

Cotoneaster dammeri C.K. Schneid. ‘Skogholm’ and Hemerocallis sp. ‘Red Magic’ plants were potted into a pine bark substrate amended with 0, 4, 8, 12, or 16% (by vol.) composted turkey litter and were grown under 1-, 2-, or 3-day irrigation frequencies. Compost increased container capacity and available water 12-16% and 17-30%, respectively, compared to pine bark alone (0% compost). Unavailable water and bulk density increased with increasing compost rate, while air space decreased. Total porosity was unaffected by compost addition. Substrate solutions were extracted from the ‘Skogholm’ cotoneaster containers via the pour-through nutrient extraction method at 0, 18, 36, 54, 78, and 102 days after initiation. Ammonium, NO3, P, K, Ca, Mg, and micronutrient substrate solution concentrations increased with decreased irrigation frequency due to decreased leaching. Substrate nutrient concentrations and pH increased with increasing rate of compost addition. Compost provided adequate nutrient supplies throughout the growing season except for K and micronutrients which were depleted after day 78.