Influence of Continuous Application of Low-concentration Swine Slurry on Soil Properties and Yield of Tomato and Cucumber in a Greenhouse

Long-term continuous application of livestock by-products to agricultural land may adversely affect the soil characteristics and the crop yield. Five year term study from 2007 was carried out to assess the effects of repeated application of low-concentration swine slurry on soil chemical properties including phosphate and heavy metal contents and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in a greenhouse. Treatments were conventional chemical fertilizers and three application rates of low-concentration swine slurry (Slurry composting and biofiltration, SCB): 50%, 100%, and 200% of recommended nitrogen fertilization. For swine slurry treatment of 50% nitrogen, deficient nitrogen was supplemented with urea fertilizer. The soil phosphorus and heavy metal contents after five year continuous application of swine slurry were not significantly higher than those of chemical fertilizer use. Repeated application of the swine slurry alone for five years resulted in relatively high soil exchangeable potassium and sodium compared with chemical fertilizer treatment. Contents of heavy metals in leaves of tomato and cucumber did not show significant difference among treatments. Yields of the crops for the swine slurry were not significantly different from that of chemical fertilizer. The results imply that continuous application of the swine slurry may not influence levels of soil phosphate and trace elements in greenhouse soils but could accumulate potassium and sodium in the soil.