Abstract

"The availability of broiler manure (CB), a mix of broiler litter and wood shavings, has steadily increased as result of the higher poultry production. The use of broiler manure as a soil fertilizer decreases contamination of storage area, and at the same time improves soil fertility. In this study macronutrients, pH, organic matter (OM) and electrical conductivity (EC) of soil and corn silage (Zea mays L.) production were compared, obtained with two sources of N:P2O5:K2O; CB: and inorganic fertilizers (urea, triple superphosphate (TPS), potassium chloride (KCl)) in volcanic ash soils of the VII and VIII Region, Chile, in a Vitrandepts and a Typic Melanoxerands soils, respectively. Both fertilizer sources were applied at a rate of 192:150:141 and 384:300:282 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1. Additionally, macronutrient concentration in the silage corn was measured at harvest. Changes in chemical fertility were measured at 0-20 cm soil depth in the Vitrandepts soil and at 0-20 and 20-40 cm in the Typic Melanoxerands soil. Results indicated that in the Vitrandepts soil corn DM and the available P Olsen level were improved significantly with the CB application rates, and Mg exchange level was reduced with urea in higher doses. In the Typic Melanoxerands soil no significant differences were found in all these parameters, although an increase in P Olsen levels was observed."