Leaching of Nutrients and Trace Elements from Stockpiled Turkey Litter into Soil.

The article discusses research that quantified the leaching of turkey litter constituents from uncovered stockpiles into soils. Poultry are fed trace elements such as arsenic that can infiltrate the soil and contaminate shallow groundwater. The stockpiles examined in this study were located on Orangeburg loamy sand. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total carbon, and dissolved organic compounds. Trace elements, including arsenic, copper, and zinc, were also quantified. It was discovered that groundwater used for drinking purpose that is obtained from farms with a history of litter stockpiling on bare soil should be monitored for contamination.