Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Korean Red Ginseng marc with
aluminum sulfate as litter amendments on ammonia, soluble reactive phosphorus, and pathogen populations
in poultry litters.
Methods: Increasing levels of Korean Red Ginseng marc with aluminum sulfate were applied onto the
surface of rice hull as a top-dress application; untreated rice hulls served as controls.
Results: Treatment with Korean Red Ginseng marc with aluminum sulfate or aluminum sulfate alone
resulted in lower litter pH (p < 0.05), as compared with that of the controls. There were some differences
(p < 0.05) between treatments with Korean Red Ginseng marc with aluminum sulfate or aluminum
sulfate alone and controls at 2e4 wk (not at 1 wk). Ammonia levels reduced on an average by 29%, 30%,
and 32% for 10 g, 20 g Korean Red Ginseng marc with aluminum sulfate, and aluminum sulfate alone,
respectively, as compared with controls at 4 wk. During the experiment, Korean Red Ginseng marc with
aluminum sulfate or aluminum sulfate treatment had an effect (p < 0.05) on soluble reactive phosphorus
content, as compared with the controls (not at 4 wk). A decrease in Salmonella enterica and Escherichia
coli was observed (p < 0.05) in litter amended with both Korean Red Ginseng marc with aluminum
sulfate and aluminum sulfate alone, as compared with the control, except at 1e3 wk for Salmonella
enterica and 1 wk and 4 wk for Escherichia coli, respectively.
Conclusion: The results showed that using Korean Red Ginseng marc with aluminum sulfate (blends),
which act as acidifying agents by reducing the pH of the litter, was equally effective as aluminum sulfate in
reducing the environmental impact.