Abstract

Background:
Poultry manure is widely used to improve soil fertility in arid regions; however, its effectiveness in sandy soils strongly depends on manure type, placement, and application rate.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of raw and anaerobically digested poultry manure, applied via different methods and at various nitrogen rates, on wheat growth and yield in sandy soil.

Methods:
A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of raw (dry) and digested poultry manure on wheat growth and yield. Surface broadcasting, subsurface injection, or soil mixing was used to apply manures at five nitrogen rates (200–600 kg N ha⁻¹). Growth parameters, including germination percentage, germination index, time to 50% germination, biomass accumulation, and grain yield, were assessed.

Results:
Surface-applied raw manure produced the highest biomass and accelerated ear emergence, particularly at 600 kg N ha⁻¹, whereas raw manure injection suppressed early growth and reduced yield. Digested manure supported more stable germination and moderate yield responses regardless of the placement.

Conclusion:
Overall, the application method strongly modified manure performance, with surface application consistently enhancing growth compared with injection or mixing.

Key words: Poultry digestate; Application placement; Nitrogen availability; Arid ecosystems; Sandy soil fertility; Durum wheat.