Ardeshir Adeli1, M. W. Shankle2, and Dennis E. Rowe1. (1) ARS-USDA, Waste Management &forage Research Unit, 810 highway 12 East, Mississippi State, MS 39762, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (2) Mississippi State Univ., Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station, 8320 Hwy 15 South, Pontotoc, MS 38863
Using animal manure as fertilizer in row crop production has been encouraged. Substantial studies have been conducted to determine the effects of broiler litter application on cotton growth and yield under different soil and manure management systems. However, the response of cotton to broiler litter and its nutrient use efficiency under ultra-narrow row relative to conventional row spacing is not well documented. The objective of this study is to compare cotton growth, yield, nutrient uptake and fiber quality in response to broiler litter applications under Ultra-narrow and conventional row spacing. The location is Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station of Mississippi State University under no-till system. Treatments are broiler litter rates of 0, 4.5, 9.0 and 13.5 Mg ha-1 and row spacing of 19, 38(both UNR) and 101 cm (CR). Plant population was greatest in 19 and least in 101-cm row spacing. Broiler litter was surface applied in spring before planting cotton. Leaf area and chlorophyll content of the leaves were greater under ultra-narrow than conventional row spacing. The effects of broiler litter on cotton yield and residual soil N under ultra-narrow and conventional row spacing will be discussed.