Determination of Hazelnut Husk Decomposition Level and of the Content of Some Plant Nutrient Elements under Natural Conditions

Abstract

Hazelnut husk, a harvest by-product, is a product of great agricultural interest. In addition, nobody has considered yet that this waste causes a problem for producers and enterprises. It was suggested that hazelnut husk would be turned into compost and used as organic fertilizer. However, usage of hazelnut husk compost has not become widespread yet. This study was carried out to determine the decomposition level of hazelnut husk and the content of some plant nutrient elements which are present under natural conditions. In a 4-year laboratory study (2004-2007), we determined: decomposition level (C:N ratio), organic matter content, organic carbon %, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) content in hazelnut husk. Hazelnut husk kept under natural conditions during the second year still had a high C: N ratio and was unfit for usage as organic material. Even if the hazelnut husk did not fully decompose during the third and fourth year, it could be used in agriculture. Moreover, the content of nutrient elements in hazelnut husk decreased during the decomposition period but these values did not fall under an acceptable limit for it to be used as organic material.