Influence of Some Organic Amendment Materials on Total Porosity of an Eroded Soil

Abstract

It is reality that physical properties affect the soil productivity. Gas-water balance of soil is a very important criterion for the explanation of the physical condition of soils. This properties gain more consequences in eroded soils which have low productivity potential. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of resources of organic matter such as sewage sludge (SWS) and tea production waste (TPW) on total porosity (POR) of a slightly, moderately, and severely eroded soil. Soil samples were treated with the organic waste at four different levels (0, 2, 4, and 6% basis dry weight). The mixtures were incubated at field capacity for four weeks under greenhouse condition. After incubation period, tomato plants (cv. Tore F1) were grown in a greenhouse. One hundred and twelve days after planting, tomato plants were removed from the pots and POR values of eroded soils were determined. It was found that SWS and TPW treatments generally increased POR values of eroded soil comparing to control treatment. According to ANOVA results, POR values were significantly influenced from erosion level and application dose (P < 0.001) of organic wastes. Also the kind of organic waste has a significant statistical effect (P < 0.01) on POR values of eroded soil. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.