Swine Lagoon Effluent Applied to ‘Coastal’ Bermudagrass: II. Effects on Soil

Abstract

Abstract Effluent from animal waste lagoons can degrade water quality if allowed to discharge into surface waters. To determine the feasibility of using swine ( Sus scrofa domesticus ) lagoon effluent as a source of water and nutrients for crop production, effluent was applied via sprinkler irrigation to ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] on Norfolk and Wagram soils (Paleudults) at rates to supply 335, 670, and 1340 kg N ha −1 yr −1 for 6 yr. Soil nitrate concentrations to a depth of 300 cm showed significant differences in the order high > medium = low rate. At the high rate, 56% of the applied N could not be accounted for by crop removal or increased N content of the soil to a depth of 210 cm. Evidence of P movement to a depth of 60 cm was obtained. Calcium and Mg concentrations in the topsoil were reduced due to relatively high rates of application of Na + , K + , and NH 4 + . Soil pH was correspondingly reduced. Soil nitrate data suggest that groundwater pollution by nitrate would result from the high rate and possibly from the medium rate.