Broiler litter application rate and time impacts on corn ear mineral composition

The nutrient composition of a corn (Zea Mays L.) ear impacts its nutritional value and potential use as human food and animal feed. Whether the application of broiler litter (BL) can enrich corn ears with supplied mineral elements compared to conventional fertilizers is not well studied. A 2-year study investigated the mineral composition of corn ears as affected by nutrient source (BL or urea), application rate (0, 168, and 336 kg total N ha(-1)), and application time (single or split) at three locations in Alabama, USA. Corn ear samples were collected at physiological maturity each year and analyzed for the total nutrient contents of 11 mineral elements. Regardless of application rate and application time, BL did not increase any elemental concentrations in the corn ear. Corn fertilized with urea had the highest corn ear concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) across all locations. Corn ear N concentration depended on the soil's level of plant-available N (PAN). Corn ear concentrations of P, K, and other mineral elements were not dependent on their soil levels but the corn ear N concentration. Thus, growing corn with an adequate supply of PAN in soil, irrespective of the source ensures maximum accumulation of corn ear N and other mineral elements.