Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture - Poultry Manure as a Source of Nitrogen in Potato Production: Part I: Agronomic Evaluation

Abstract: A study was conducted in New Denmark, Victoria County in 1996, to evaluate the potential of poultry manure as a source of nitrogen in potato crop, c.v. Shepody and Russet Burbank, during the production year. Approximately 8.6 T/Ha of poultry manure was applied with additional N-fertilizer (0, 75 and 150 Kg N/Ha). The manure was applied and incorporated prior to planting and additional N-fertilizer at planting. The control plots received an application of 150 Kg N/Ha at planting. The total yield was significantly higher in the plots receiving manure at all additional nitrogen rate of application for the variety Shepody and when 75 and 150 Kg N /Ha was added for the variety Russet Burbank. However, none of the treatment had a significant effect on the marketable yield for both varieties. No significant increase in yield were observed, for both varieties, when additional nitrogen was applied in conjunction with manure. A higher phosphorus, copper and zinc leaf content was observed where poultry manure was applied but the effect was not significant for all varieties and manure treatments. Poultry manure had no effect on the incidence of scab. Based on the results obtained poultry manure has the potential to be used as a source of nitrogen in the potato crop during the production year. However, before recommending the use of poultry manure at a commercial scale, further studies are required to evaluate under various soils and climatic conditions, the potential of poultry manure as a source of macro and micronutrient and its effect on the incidence of scab.

¹ Land Resources Branch, NBDARD, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
² Regional Office, NBDARD, Grand Falls, NB E3Z 1G1