Long-Term Effects of Hazelnut Husk Compost Applications on Soil Permeability

Abstract

This study was carried out on 'Tombul' hazelnut orchards between 2001 and 2007 to evaluate the long-term effects of hazelnut husk compost (HHC) on soil permeability. The amendments were only applied in 2001. The experimental design was replicated three times with four doses as a randomized complete block of hazelnut husk compost. The amendment was applied at rates of 0, 20, 40, 80 and 120 ton ha(-1) dry weight replicated. During the experiment, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected once a year. Hydraulic conductivity, water retention capacity, available water content, porosity, percent of macro-pore and micro-pore and some soil properties were determined. Organic material applications increased the hydraulic conductivity of the soil, but this effect declined in the long term. In the first year, compost applications amended selected soil properties. On the other hand, this positive effect decreased in the six years depending on the decomposition of the hazelnut husk compost.