Variation of Soil Dielectric Constant, Moisture Holding Capacity, and Nitrate-Nitrogen as Influenced by Application of Fresh and Compost Poultry Litter on a Decatur Silt Loam Soil

ABSTRACT Currently, there are major concerns about potential environmental impacts of poultry litter application as a nutrient source for agricultural crops. Composting of poultry litter is reported to have less groundwater pollution effects as compared to fresh litter. A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of poultry litter applications at three different rates on variations of soil dielectric constant, moisture holding capacity, and soil NO3 −-N distribution on a Decatur slit loam soil. The results were compared with effects of urea (inorganic fertilizer) and composted poultry litter applications. The addition of fresh and composted poultry litter increased the soil dielectric constant and water holding capacity due to the increase in soil organic matter. The study indicates that there is a potential of groundwater contamination by application of urea, fresh poultry litter or composted poultry litter at the rates investigated. Urea and fresh poultry litter applications have comparable effec...