Corn response to broiler litter total cleanout frequency

Abstract Broiler ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) litter is a valuable nutrient source for corn ( Zea mays L.) production in the southeastern United States; however, differences in total cleanout frequency of broiler houses may influence the agronomic value of broiler litter. A 3‐year field study was established on Decatur silt loam and Malbis sandy clay loam soils to examine corn grain yield, aboveground biomass, nutrient uptake, grain nutrient composition, and soil test nutrients resulting from three broiler litter total cleanout frequency periods (<1 year, 1–2 years, and >2 years). Broiler litters were surface broadcast before planting at 4.5 Mg ha −1 followed by 72 or 140 kg N ha −1 as urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN). The study also included complete conventional inorganic fertilization (67 kg N ha −1 as urea at planting and 140 kg N ha −1 as UAN at V6; CIF) and an unfertilized control treatment. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. Broiler litter total cleanout frequency did not influence corn grain yield, biomass production, nutrient uptake, and grain nutrient composition. There was no significant difference in corn grain yield between broiler litter and CIF treatments. Soil P, K, Mg, and Ca concentrations in the surface 15 cm tended to increase after 2 years of broiler litter use relative to conventional inorganic fertilization on a Decatur silt loam soil. These findings demonstrate that differences in broiler litter total cleanout frequency would not translate into differences in corn grain yield; however, additional research is needed to validate the findings.