Comprehensive Assessment of the Influence of Applying Two Kinds of Chicken-Manure-Processed Organic Fertilizers on Soil Properties, Mineralization of Nitrogen, and Yields of Three Crops

Abstract

(1) Background: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers accelerates soil acidification and increases greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the farmland application of organic fertilizers not only reuses agricultural waste but also improves soil quality. (2) Methods: Two organic fertilizers made from chicken manure—G508 and G509—were field applied, implementing once or twice (denoted by X1 and X2, respectively) the recommended amount of nitrogen for three crops. In addition, an incubation experiment was conducted to assess the mineralization of the organic fertilizers. (3) Results: G508 did not undergo a composting process and, thus, had a higher content of nitrogen compared to G509. Therefore, although the soil properties improved under G509, the total mineral nitrogen released was lower than G508. Compared to chemical fertilizer treatment, the application of G508 and G509 increased the soil’s pH value, concentrations of organic matter, available phosphorus, and exchangeable concentrations of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In addition, the crop yield under G508X2 treatment was even higher than that under chemical fertilizer treatment. (4) Conclusions: Although G508 and G509 were both processed using chicken manure, they exhibited different nutrient-release behaviors during mineralization and also had different influences on the soil properties and growth of the three crops.