Effect of DDGS manure on soil and plant: preliminary results of the greenhouse study

Abstract

The use of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) in feedlot cattle diets is increasing as the bio-ethanol industry expands. Manure derived from dried distiller’s grain with solubles (DDGS) fed cattle seem to have higher amounts of N and P than manure from regular grain fed cattle. This study investigates how DDGS manure affects soil fertility and nutrient uptake by barley grown in a controlled greenhouse environment. Both DDGS and regular manure were applied at 30, 60, 120 and 180 Mg ha-1 yr-1 to a sand soil. The results of the first 3 harvest cycles indicate that both types of manure resulted in similar increase in plant total P content. However, soil TP and available P concentrations in DDGS manure treatments were higher. Soil available in DDGS treatments was twice as much of that in regular manure. Increase in soil TN and available N contents was similar with both types of manure. Plant TN content did not seem to be influenced by manure application. This study indicates that the main concern with the use of DDGS manure is its high P solubility. However, no significant increase in soil available P was observed at a manure rate of 30 Mg ha-1 yr-1.