Poultry-Litter Effects on the Change in Water-Stable Aggregation in Loamy Soils in Eastern Arkansas

A well-structured soil is paramount for a healthy, productive soil. Soil structure can be improved by applying organic amendments, such as poultry litter (PL) and can be quantified as water-stable aggregate (WSA) concentration. The objective of this field study was to evaluate the effects of PL rate on the change in WSA concentration across several loamy soils in eastern Arkansas. Soil core samples were collected in 2022 and 2024 at three locations (i.e., Haigwood, Distretti, and Burris). Soil bulk density decreased over time (P P i.e., 0 - 5 and 5 - 10 cm), WSA concentration at Distretti decreased over time (P 4 mm aggregate-size class and increased over time (P P P 4 mm size class in the 0 - 5 cm soil depth. At Haigwood, total WSA concentration increased over time (P −1). Differential PL application rates can affect WSA concentrations in as little as two years demonstrating WSA as a dynamic soil property.