Evaluation of Petunia Growth Characteristics in Response to Application of a Novel Poultry-derived Fertilizer

Multiple processes have been developed to reduce the negative effects of raw poultry litter application in soils by altering the physical and chemical nature into a more suitable plant nutrient product. This investigation focused on a novel aerobic digestion process using a proprietary method from Cleaned & Green (C&G) to extend the nutrient release time of fertilizer while eliminating potential pathogens. Physical and chemical characteristics were assessed on C&G fertilizer by conducting plant assays and physical testing. Petunias were grown to evaluate plant growth responses. Substrate pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were evaluated, and plant growth index, dry weight, and foliar analysis were recorded. Increasing application rates resulted in increased EC concentrations and less plant growth 2 weeks after planting. C&G replicates grown at Auburn, AL, had EC values 2 weeks after planting of 0.33, 1.43, 3.18, and 5.20 mS·cm −1 for 0, 0.44, 0.89, and 1.78 kg·m −3 N, respectively. Plants in Mobile, AL, behaved in a similar manner. Growth indices indicated that the control had the smallest size, while plants given C&G and a blended fertilizer (nutrient-even combination of C&G and a synthetic fertilizer) at 0.44 kg·m −3 N were the largest. Initial results suggest that the C&G fertilizer may be used similarly to a rapid-release synthetic fertilizer without the potential environmental burdens imposed by raw poultry litter applications.