The influence of humic deposit (gyttja) application on some selected soil properties and yield-quality of hazelnut in acid conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of gyttja applications on some selected soil properties, leaf nutrient contents, yield and quality of hazelnut grown in an acid soil. Gyttja was applied to the soil at the rates of 20, 40 and 80 kg bush-1 along with the control. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications for two years in field conditions. The plant nutrient contents, lime, organic matter and pH of the soil significantly increased with increasing rates of gyttja. Leaf nutrient content, yield and kernel percentage of hazelnut increased significantly as gyttja rates increased as well. The gyttja application of 40 kg bush-1 induced a significant increase of 56% in hazelnut yield, as compared to the control. We suggested that gyttja could be used to improve soil properties and to increase yield and quality of hazelnut under soil acidity.