Does hazelnut husk compost (HHC) effect on soil water holding capacity (WHC)? An environmental approach

Abstract

In this study, we applied hazelnut husk waste that was composted by using microbialbiotechnological techniques into soil in the field conditions. The hazelnut husk compost(HHC) was applied in two hazelnut orchards having different textures such as sandyloam (SL) and clay loam (CL) soils and used different application rates (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0,7.5 and 10 t da-1). Soil sampling was done four times in a year (spring, summer, fall andwinter). We investigated the effects of HHC on soil water holding capacity related toavailable water content of soil at both field capacity (FC) and permanent wilting point(PWP) with weight basis. Soil moisture coefficients were determined by using pressureplate and indicated as percentage weights at FC (-33 kPa) and PWP (-1500 kPa). Ourresults showed that HHC doses, sampling periods and soil textures effected soil waterholding capacity at both FC and PWP. In addition, FC and PWP were found the highest at10 t da-1 application dose. Findings of this study, the huge importance of HHC thatrelated to protect soil water without harmful to the environment emphasized.