Utilizing Manure to Energy Co-products as Fertilizer in Tomato Production Systems

Abstract

We evaluated poultry litter gasification, combustion and pyrolysis co-products as potential phosphorus (P) fertilizer sources for the Mid-Atlantic’s fresh market tomato industry. Mid-Atlantic soils used for vegetable production are typically sandy loam soils with low organic matter, low water holding capacity, low cation exchange capacity, and require additions of P and potassium (K) fertilizers for optimal production. We used three energy co-products applied at 40, 80, and 120 lb P2O5/acre in a factorial arrangement to test P efficacy and included a 0–P fertilizer control. Products were compared using yield and fruit size. Results indicated that ash and biochar fertilizer sources did provide available fertility for fresh market tomatoes and yielded 88% to 98% of yield as compared to traditional inorganic fertilizers. We recognize that fertilizer availability varied across the co-products from different thermal processes. In the future, specific co-products will require testing in the Mid-Atlantic for nutrient availability to ensure adequate fertilizer solubility in plasticulture production systems.