Would forest landowners use poultry manure as fertilizer?

Abstract

When manure nutrients exceed local cropland's assimilative capacity, the potential for water quality problems exists. Concerns about water quality in Maryland have led to the passage of the Water Quality Improvement Act, which will affect the disposal of poultry litter on cropland. Because Maryland's forest soils test low for phosphorus, forest fertilization may be an alternative use for the litter. A representative sample of 402 Maryland landowners owning 40 or more acres was asked whether they would consider using poultry litter as a forest fertilizer under various incentives. When offered $20 per acre, landowners owning more acres, located in certain counties, and who were younger than the other survey respondents were most likely to consider using poultry litter. Landowners who had a forest management plan were less likely to be willing.