1
EFFECT OF ACID AND BASE STIMULATION OF
SOME TYPES OF COMPOST ON SOME SOIL
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Esmaeil, M. A. ; S. H. Abd Elghany and H. M. Khalil
Soils, Water and Environment Res. Inst., Agric. Res. Center, Giza, Egypt.
Key Words: Rice Straw, Corn Straw, Soil, Physical Properties,
Sorghum and Barley.
ABSTRACT
A filed experiment was conducted at Bahtim agricultural research
station, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt, during two successive seasons,
summer 2019 and winter 2019/2020 to study the effect of acid and base
compost pretreatment on some soil physical properties and sorghum
(Sorghum bicolor, cv. Giza 15) productivity and barley (Hordeum
vulgare L., cv. Giza 123), productivity. Two separated incubation
experiments were established, the first one was rice straw and corn straw
pretreated by 5 % sulphuric acid then incubated for three weeks, whereas
the second experiment was the rice straw and corn straw pretreated by 2
% potassium hydroxide then incubated for four weeks. At the end of
incubation period, the first experiment was neutralized by both calcium
carbonate and ammonium hydroxide to produce four different types of
composted materials; composted rice straw neutralized by calcium
carbonate 1B, composted rice straw neutralized by ammonium hydroxide
2B, composted corn straw neutralized by calcium carbonate 3B and
composted corn straw neutralized by ammonium hydroxide 4B. In
contrast, the second experiment was neutralized by both sulphuric acid
and citric acid to produce another four types of compost; composted rice
straw neutralized by sulphuric acid 1C, composted rice straw neutralized
by citric acid 2C, composted corn straw neutralized by sulphuric acid 3C
and composted corn straw neutralized by citric acid 4C. The eight pretreated
types of composts in addition to untreated rice straw 1A and
untreated corn straw 2A were incorporated with soil by 0.5 kg m-2 to
study their effects on soil physical properties and sorghum and barley
productivity compared to control (soil without compost addition).
The results indicated that all treatments increased dry and water
stable aggregates as compared to control. The treatment 2B (rice straw
treated by sulphuric acid and neutralized by ammonium hydroxide) was
the best treatment in increasing dry and water stable aggregates. Also, the
values of hydraulic conductivity and total porosity were significantly
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021 1-16
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increased in all treatments compared to control. The highest values of
hydraulic conductivity and total porosity were recorded in the treatment
2B followed by 4B. Also, the added treatments significantly decreased
values of bulk density compared to control. The least value of bulk
density was recorded in the treatment 2B. The addition of composted
amendments had a significant impact on soil moisture constants (field
capacity, wilting point and available water) when compared to control
values. The best addition that increased field capacity and available water
was 2B, followed by 2C then 4B. Also, all of the treatments led to a
significant increase in sorghum and barley yields as compared to control.
The treatment 2B was the best treatment in increasing sorghum and
barley yield compared to control. The increase in sorghum and barley
yields may be attributed to that using of acid base pre-treated compost
enhanced improvement of soil physical properties that led to increase in
sorghum and barley yields.
INTRODUCTION
Compost use is one of the most important factors, which contribute
to increased productivity and sustainable agriculture. In addition, compost
can solve the problem faced on farmers with decreasing fertility of their soil.
Due to soil fertility problems, crops returns often decrease and the crops are
more susceptible to pest and disease because they are in bad condition
(Madeleine et al., 2005).
Mineral fertilization provides readily available nutrients for plant
growth; however, it does not contribute to improve soil physical condition.
Organic matter inputs through organic amendment, in addition to supplying
nutrients, improve soil aggregation and stimulate microbial diversity and
activity (Shiralipour et al., 1992; Carpenter-Boggs et al., 2000).
Applications of manure increases soil organic matter content and this results
in increase in water holding capacity, porosity, infiltration capacity,
hydraulic conductivity and water-stable aggregation and decreased bulk
density (Haynes and Naidu, 1998).
Compost consists of the relatively stable decomposed organic
materials resulting from the accelerated biological degradation of organic
materials under controlled, aerobic conditions (Paulin and Peter, 2008).
The decomposition process converts potentially toxic or putrescible organic
matter into a stabilized state that can improve soil properties for plant
growth.
By incorporation of compost into the soil, aggregate stability
increases most effectively in clayey and sandy soils. Positive effects can be
expected by well humified (promoting micro-aggregates), as well as fresh,
low-molecular OM (promoting macro-aggregates). Macro-aggregates are
2 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021
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mainly stabilized by fungal hyphen, fine roots, root hair and microorganisms
with a high portion of easily degradable polysaccharides (Amlinger et al.,
2007). Brown and Cotton (2011) have observed that soil bulk density
followed a predictable pattern with decreased bulk density at increasing rate
of compost. This decrease was due to the organic fraction produced from
compost decomposition is much lighter in weight than the mineral fraction
in soils, As a result, increases in the organic fraction decrease the total
weight and bulk density of the soil.
There is a strong negative correlation (R = – 0.81) between bulk
density and organic matter content of the soil, an increase in soil organic
matter content causing a decrease in bulk density of the soil. Hemmat et al.
(2010) also found a negative correlation (R = – 0.75) between bulk density
and soil organic carbon. The decrease in bulk density can be achieved by
mixing organic material of compost into the soil (Civeira, 2010).
Soil structure can be improved by the binding between soil compost
and clay particles viacation bridges and through stimulation of biological
activity and root growth (Gao et al., 2010). Effect of compost includes
increasing water field capacity and plant water availability Farrell and
Jones (2009). Malik et al. (2014) found that compost application gave
higher values for field capacity mainly because the integrated use of
nutrients improved the soil aggregates and pores spaces which allowed the
free movement of water within the soil thereby, increasing the moisture
content at field capacity. Mbagwu (1989) noted that organic wastes
incorporated into the soil at the rate of 10% increased the total porosity by
23 %. Also, Esmaeil (2018) found increase in total porosity as a result of
compost application.
Barley is one of the world's main cereals, ranking fourth in
production after wheat, maize and rice (FAO, 2013). Sorghum is the fifth
most important cereal crop in the world after wheat, maize, rice, and barley
(FAO STAT, 2012). Sorghum is an important annual cereal crop grown for
both grain and palatable green forage production. Additionally to sorghum
as a food crop, there are possibilities of other alternative uses of sorghum
such as feed for dairy animals, novel foods, industrial uses, processed foods
starch, beverages and ethanol (Taylor et al., 2006).
Ali et al. (2017) found a significance improvement in barley
productivity as a result of compost application to the soil. Also, compost
application to the soil has a positive effect on sorghum productivity; it
improves plant growth, productivity and yield Abd El-Mageed et al.
(2018). Supplying organic matter to the soil will improve the soil content
nutrients after mineralization of the organic matter and will increase the
availability of nutrients for plants; subsequently, the uptake of nutrients will
be increased and the growth and productivity of plants will be improved
(Hartley et al., 2010).
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021 3
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This study aims to estimate the effect of acid and base compost
pretreatment on some soil physical properties and sorghum and barley
productivity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A field experiment was established for two successive seasons,
summer 2019 and winter 2019/2020 at Bahtim agricultural research
station, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt, located at 30o 8’31.316” N latitude
and 31o16’53.714” E Longitude, to study the effect of acid and base
compost pretreatment on some soil physical properties as well as
Sorghum yield (Sorghum bicolor, cv. Giza 15) and their residual effect
on barley yield (Hordeum vulgare L., cv. Giza 123).
Soil sampling:
Surface soil samples (0-30 cm depth) before planting as well as
after harvesting, were collected from the experimental plots, air dried,
crushed and sieved through 2 mm sieved holes, and analyzed for some
chemical and physical properties. The main properties of soil samples
before planting are illustrated in Table (1).
The soil samples were air dried and analyzed for some physical
and chemical characteristics. The total soluble salts (EC) were
determined in soil paste extract as dS m-1 (Jackson, 1973). Soil organic
matter content (%) and pH were analyzed according to the methods
described by Cottenie et al. (1982).
Table (1): Some properties of the studied soil before planting.
PH
(1:2.5)
EC
dS m-1
O.M
(%)
Particle size distribution
Sand
(%)
Fine sand
(%)
Silt
(%)
Clay
(%)
Textural
Class
7.72 1.95 1.15 11.25 15.75 34.50 38.50 Clay loam
H.C
cm h-1
B.D
g cm-3
T.P
(%)
Soil moisture constants (%)
F.C W.P A.W
3.28 1.42 40.87 36.45 16.10 20.35
Dry aggregates diameters (mm)
10.0-2.0 2.0-1.0 1.0-0.5 0.5-0.25 0.25-0.125 0.125-0.063 <0.063
35.10 25.15 13.85 6.51 5.02 7.05 7.32
Wet aggregates diameters (mm)
10.0-2.0 2.0-1.0 1.0-0.5 0.5-0.25 0.25-0.125 0.125-0.063 Total (TSA)
9.80 9.62 6.98 3.24 2.15 3.12 34.91
Particle size distribution was carried out by the pipette method
described by Gee and Bauder (1986) using sodium hexameta phosphateas
a dispersing agent. Soil bulk density was determined using the undisturbed
soil column according to Richards (1954). Hydraulic conductivity (H.C)
was determined according to Klute (1986). Total soil porosity was
calculated as percentage from the obtained values of real and bulk densities
(Richards, 1954). Stability of dry aggregates was determined according to
the method of Richards (1954). Stability of water stable aggregates was
4 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021
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determined using the wet sieving technique described by Yoder (1936) and
modified by Ibrahim (1964).
The soil moisture constants (field capacity, available water and
wilting point) for each treatment was prepared by using the pressure plate
apparatus (Klute, 1986), the available water was calculated by the
subtraction of water content at Field capacity and wilting point.
Preparation of compost:
Two separated incubation experiments, the first was 20 kg of each
rice straw and corn straw pre-treated by 130 L of 5 % sulphuric acid then
incubated for 3 weeks whereas the second experiments was another 20 kg of
both the rice straw and corn straw pre-treated by 130 L of 2 % potassium
hydroxide then incubated for 4 weeks. At the end of incubation period, the
first experiment was neutralized by both calcium carbonate and ammonium
hydroxide to produce four different types of composted materials;
composted rice straw calcium carbonate 1B, composted rice straw
ammonium hydroxide 2B, composted corn straw calcium carbonate 3B, and
composted corn straw ammonium 4B. While the second experiment was
neutralized by both sulphuric acid and citric acid to produce another four
types of compost ; composted rice straw sulphuric 1C, composted rice straw
citric 2C, composted corn straw sulphuric 3C and composted corn straw
citric 4C. The eight pre-treated types of composts in addition to untreated
rice straw 1A and untreated corn straw 2A were incorporated with soil by
0.5 kg m-2 to study their effects on soil physical properties and sorghum and
barley productivity compared to control. Some properties of the applied
composts are shown in Table (2).
Table (2): Some properties of the applied composts.
Straw type
EC dS m-1
(1:5)
(Manure: water
Extract)
pH
(1:10)
(Manure: water
suspension)
Water holding
capacity (%)
Bulk density
(g cm-3)
1A 1.95 7.36 161 0.28
2A 1.92 7.33 163 0.30
1B 5.21 7.32 224 0.35
2B 5.02 7.30 228 0.36
3B 5.19 7.33 222 0.38
4B 5.13 7.34 223 0.39
1C 5.19 7.37 222 0.34
2C 5.16 7.35 225 0.34
3C 5.30 7.39 221 0.37
4C 5.28 7.36 224 0.38
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021 5
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Experimental design:
A complete randomized block design experiment was carried out
with plot sizes measuring 3 m X 3.5 m with three replicates in clay loam
soil during two successive seasons (summer 2019 and winter 2019/2020),
at the agricultural research station farm in Bahtem, Kalubia Governorate,
Egypt. Sorghum was selected as an indicator crop to evaluate the effect
of modified types of compost as soil amendment materials then followed
by planting barley to study the residual effect of these conditioner
materials. The treatments were as follows:
Control: Untreated soil.
1A: Rice straw added to the soil without treatment.
2A: Corn straw added to the soil without treatment.
1B: Rice straw treated by sulphuric acid and neutralized by calcium
carbonate.
2B: Rice straw treated by sulphuric acid and neutralized by ammonium
hydroxide.
3B: Corn straw treated by sulphuric acid and neutralized by calcium
carbonate.
4B: Corn straw treated by sulphuric acid and neutralized by ammonium
hydroxide.
1C: Rice straw treated by KOH and neutralized by sulphuric acid.
2C: Rice straw treated by KOH and neutralized by citric acid.
3C: Corn straw treated by KOH and neutralized by sulphuric acid.
4C: Corn straw treated by KOH and neutralized by citric acid.
All of compost types were added to the plots and incorporated by
soil at rate (0.5 kg m-2). Phosphorus and potassium were applied with a
rate of 23.25 kg P2O5 fed-1 and 24 Kg K2O fed-1 in the forms of
superphosphate (15.5 % P2O5) and potassium sulfate (48 % K2O),
respectively, before planting. While, nitrogen was applied as ammonium
nitrate (33.5% N) at a rate of 100 Kg N fed-1, in two equal doses after
complete germination and even before the emergence of spikes. Sorghum
grains (Sorghum bicolor, cv. Giza 15) were sown at the rate of 7 Kg fed-1.
After sorghum crop harvest, barley (Hordeum vulgare L., cv. Giza 123)
was grown without compost treatment to study the residual effect of the
treatments on the next yield. The rate of barely seeds was 60 kg fed-1.
Statistical Analysis:
The data of this study were statistically analyzed through analysis
of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) at 0.05
probability level to make comparison among treatment means according
to Gomez and Gomez (1984).
6 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Soil aggregates:
Dry stable aggregates:
Soil structure is defined by size and spatial distributions of
particles, aggregates and pores in soils. The volume of solid soil particles
and the pore volume influences air balance and root penetration ability.
It is clear from the data illustrated in Table (3) that the dominant
diameters were 10.0-2.0 and 2.0-1.0 mm, they recorded higher percentages
than the other diameters. These variations may be related to the agro
management practices and environmental conditions. All treatments caused
an increase in weights of 10.0-2.0 and 2.0-1.0 diameters than control. As a
general view, the acid digested compost induced an increase in these
diameters than in the base digested compost. The highest increase was found
in the treatment 2B (rice straw treated with sulphuric acid then neutralized
by ammonia hydroxide), followed by the treatment 4B (corn straw treated
with sulphuric acid then neutralized by ammonia hydroxide), while the
lowest increase was found in the treatment 2A (corn straw added without
acid or base treatment). Similar results were obtained by Rasool et al.
(2007) who concluded that application of organic matter promotes
flocculation of clay minerals, which is essential for the aggregation of soil
particles and play an important role in erosion control. The added organic
matter aid to glues the tiny soil particles together into larger stable
aggregates, increasing bio pores spaces which increase soil air circulation
necessary for growth of plants and microorganisms. It is clear also that the
added treatments had increased the stable aggregates with high diameters
(10.0-2.0 and 2.0-1.0 mm) in the first season more than its residual effect in
the second season.
Water stable aggregates (WSA):
As shown in Table (4), it is clear that the diameter 2.0-1.0 was the
dominant, while 0.25-0.125 mm recorded the lowest diameter of water
stable aggregates. All treatments caused an increase in the values of total
water stable aggregates compared to control. It can be concluded that the
increase in WSA in the first season was more than that occurred in the
second season. The treatment 2B recorded the highest water stable
aggregates, followed by 4B then 1B, while the treatment 1A caused the
lowest increase in the weight of water stable aggregates. These results are in
agreement with those of Fliessbach et al. (2000) who reported that organic
soil management improved the soil structure by increasing soil aggregate
.Also, this increase in WSA may be described to the sulfur resulted from
digestion by sulphuric acid which is an agent of accelerating soil microorganisms
that led to better aggregation. In addition, the beneficial effect of
organic matter resulted from compost digestion which causes the
improvement of soil aggregation Lanza and Spallaci (1970). These
findings are coincided with those of and Haynes and Naidu (1998).
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021 7
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Table (3): Distribution fractions (%) of dry stable sieved aggregates as affected by the studied treatments
Treatment
After first season After second season
>
2.0 ml
2.0-1.0 1.0-0.5 0.5-0.25
0.25-
0.125
0.125-
0.063
< 0.063 > 2.0 ml 2.0-1.0 1.0-0.5 0.5-0.25
0.25-
0.125
0.125-
0.063
< 0.063
Control 36.25 26.00 13.58 6.28 4.62 6.07 7.20 34.54 25.61 12.59 6.41 5.01 6.41 9.43
1 A 41.25 24.58 14.00 4.45 4.47 4.17 7.08 40.31 27.25 11.16 5.32 6.34 4.81 4.81
2 A 38.12 25.00 14.36 6.16 5.55 4.55 6.26 35.60 25.55 13.91 4.63 7.23 5.28 7.80
1 B 48.12 23.26 13.55 3.09 3.44 4.01 4.53 44.91 24.72 15.03 3.23 5.36 2.83 3.92
2 B 50.48 24.00 11.35 1.25 4.55 4.99 3.38 47.34 22.67 14.25 3.24 5.72 3.76 3.02
3 B 45.99 20.00 13.58 3.58 4.00 3.58 9.27 44.62 19.41 12.00 5.32 7.21 4.54 6.90
4 B 48.85 21.95 13.51 3.21 3.49 3.20 5.79 45.85 20.47 15.36 2.68 5.53 3.29 6.82
1 C 44.48 25.58 14.12 3.14 3.58 4.01 5.09 40.81 22.76 16.38 4.80 6.41 4.72 4.12
2 C 47.62 23.35 14.02 3.02 3.85 3.38 4.76 44.28 20.49 17.42 2.70 7.47 2.30 5.34
3 C 42.25 23.58 14.06 4.39 4.51 4.13 7.08 40.69 23.48 19.41 5.82 5.03 3.15 2.42
4 C 44.56 24.89 14.32 3.25 3.59 3.25 6.14 41.93 22.65 16.72 4.25 4.78 5.26 4.41
Table (4): Water stable aggregates as affected by the studied treatments
Treatment
After first season After second season
> 2.0
ml
2.0-
1.0
1.0-
0.5
0.5-
0.25
0.25-
0.125
0.125-
0.063
Total > 2.0
ml
2.0-
1.0
1.0-
0.5
0.5-
0.25
0.25-
0.125
0.125-
0.063
Total
Control 9.72 9.99 7.15 4.02 1.85 3.06 35.79 9.72 9.99 7.15 4.35 1.85 3.06 36.12
1 A 10.69 11.56 8.25 6.04 1.82 2.45 40.81 9.17 12.51 7.94 6.02 1.34 1.80 38.78
2 A 8.31 11.20 9.82 3.86 1.90 3.62 38.71 8.03 10.87 10.14 4.13 2.64 1.84 37.65
1 B 10.46 13.51 10.27 8.67 2.54 4.87 50.32 11.70 13.72 8.82 9.03 3.18 2.29 48.74
2 B 5.20 10.49 11.65 15.81 6.76 4.25 54.16 9.13 14.78 10.69 11.70 4.38 1.68 52.36
3 B 12.80 13.05 9.42 7.73 2.19 2.96 48.15 11.53 12.61 10.37 5.85 3.10 3.46 46.92
4 B 11.17 8.91 10.45 10.03 5.21 4.64 51.41 10.68 12.49 9.65 8.94 4.83 2.93 49.52
1 C 4.64 13.69 13.29 7.71 2.13 4.06 45.52 6.13 13.37 12.70 7.42 2.36 1.67 43.65
2 C 7.57 14.75 11.61 8.56 2.60 4.31 49.40 8.05 13.47 10.81 9.52 2.94 2.04 46.83
3 C 9.38 13.21 9.82 3.84 1.86 2.62 40.73 7.38 13.96 10.62 3.12 2.02 1.84 38.94
4 C 5.45 13.53 13.00 7.95 2.25 4.02 46.20 8.94 14.50 11.84 4.27 2.98 2.22 44.75
8 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021
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Hydraulic conductivity (H.C):
Hydraulic conductivity refers to the rate at which water flows
through soil. For instance, soils with well-defined structure contain a
large number of macro pores, cracks, and fissures which allow for
relatively rapid flow of water through the soil. The ability of soil to
transmit water depends on the porosity and the arrangement of soil
particles. It is clear from the data in Table (5) that all treatments
significantly increased the values of hydraulic conductivity as compared
to control. This variance was due to that these treatments helped in
improvement of soil aggregates that led to a large number of macro pores
that improve water flow through soil layers. It can be deduced the added
treatments had increased hydraulic conductivity values in the first season
than that happened by the residual effect of these treatments in the
second season. The acid digested straws (B treatments) had increased
hydraulic conductivity values compared to base digested straws (C
treatments) and non-treated straws (A treatments) compared to control.
The highest values of hydraulic conductivity were found in rice straw
treated by sulphuric acid and neutralized by ammonia (2B) while the
lowest values were for the untreated corn straw (2A). These results were
agreed with those of Eusufzai et al. (2007) who found a significant
increase in hydraulic conductivity values of soil amended with rice
compost.
Bulk density (B.D):
Compost application generally influences soil structure in a
beneficial way by lowering soil density due to the admixture of low
density organic matter into the mineral soil fraction. This positive effect
has been detected in most cases and it is typically associated with an
increase in porosity because of the interactions between organic and
inorganic fractions (Amlinger et al., 2007). It is clear from the data in
Table (5) that the lowest values of bulk density were recorded in acid
digested straws followed by base digested straws then non-digested
straws then control (untreated plots). Also it can be noticed that
treatments 2B and 4Bwere the best in decreasing soil bulk density. They
decreased the value of bulk density from 1.40 g cm-3 of control to 1.15
and 1.18 g cm-3, respectively. This decrease in the bulk density was due
to that using rice straw compost led to production of high contents of
organic matter to the soil that causes formation of stable aggregates units,
this could cause increases in the total soil volume and decreases in the
values of soil bulk density. These results are confirmed with the results of
Zhao et al. (2019) and Brown and Cotton (2011), who observed that
compost application influences soil structure in a beneficial way by
lowering soil density as a result for the admixture of low density organic
matter into them in eral soil fraction. In addition, the organic fraction is
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021 9
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much lighter in weight than the mineral fraction in soils. Accordingly, the
increase in the organic fraction decreases the total weight and bulk
density of the soil.
Total porosity (T.P):
Total soil porosity is an index of the relative volume of pores in
soil. It is a special formula which explains the relationship between both
the soil real and bulk densities. Compost increases the portion of mesoand
macro-pores because of an improved aggregation and stabilization of
soil significantly initiated by various soil organisms (Liu et al., 2007).
As shown in Table (5), there was a significant increase in values of total
porosity in all treatments as compared to control. The organic matter
produced from acid treated straw compost improved soil aggregation, it
increased formation of macro aggregates that led to formation of macro
pores and increase the total porosity. The best treatment caused
improvement in total porosity was 2B, it has a value of total porosity
49.32 % and 47.21 % in the first and second seasons, respectively. While
the lowest increase in total porosity was found in the soil treated by 2A
(42.66 % and 42.16 % in the first and second seasons, respectively).
These results are in agreement with that of Esmaeil (2018) who deduced
a significant increase in total porosity values as a result of compost
application to soil.
Table (5): Hydraulic conductivity, bulk density and total porosity in
the studied soil as affected by different treatments
After first season After second season
H.C
(cm h-1)
B.D
(g cm-3)
T.P
(%)
H.C
(cm h-1)
B.D
(g cm-3)
T.P
(%)
Control 3.36d 1.40d 41.37d 3.35c 1.40c 41.12c
1 A 4.31 1.29 43.21 4.06 1.34 42.75
2 A 4.17 1.35 42.66 4.12 1.37 42.19
Mean 4.24c 1.32c 42.94c 4.09b 1.36c 42.47b
1 B 6.92 1.19 46.91 6.51 1.23 45.13
2 B 7.97 1.15 49.32 7.11 1.19 47.21
3 B 6.40 1.27 45.81 5.74 1.24 44.88
4 B 7.31 1.18 47.26 6.60 1.21 46.02
Mean 7.15a 1.19a 47.33a 6.49a 1.22a 45.81a
1 C 5.38 1.26 44.87 4.26 1.32 44.23
2 C 6.41 1.21 46.76 5.32 1.25 46.18
3 C 5.48 1.29 44.60 4.30 1.33 43.96
4 C 5.77 1.22 45.72 4.63 1.28 45.35
Mean 5.76b 1.24b 45.49b 4.63b 1.30b 44.93a
L.S.D (0.05) 0.63 0.03 1.19 0.61 0.04 1.13
Soil moisture constants:
Soil field capacity, wilting point and available water are considered
the three main soil moisture constants. The amount of water available to
plant depends on two factors: the quantity of water that is able to infiltrate
into the soil and the quantity of water that the soil is able to hold onto. Field
10 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021
11
capacity and available water holding capacity are influenced by the particle
size, structure and content of OM.
Data in Table (6) pointed out that all treatments significantly
increased field capacity and available water compared to control. It is clear
that the added treatments improved field capacity and available water values
in the first season, also these parameters were improved in the second season
as affected by the residual effect of these treatments. The highest values of
filed capacity and available water were found in plots treated by acid
digested compost then base digested and non-treated compost. The best
addition improved field capacity and available water was 2B, followed by
2C then 4B. The higher values obtained in 2B and 4B may be attributed to
the organic matter (resulted from acid treated compost) which indirectly
contributes to soil texture via increased soil faunal activity leading to
improve the soil aggregation and porosity which ultimately increased the
number of macro-pores and thus, infiltration rates. The organic matter was
found contributing to the stability of soil aggregates and pores through the
binding properties of organic material. These results are in agreement with
those of Malik et al. (2014), who found that soil treatment with compost
gave higher values for field capacity due to improvement of the soil
aggregates and pores spaces which allowed the free movement of water
within the soil there by, increasing the moisture content at field capacity. An
increase field capacity should be considered a consequence of total porosity
augmentation in soils after rice and corn composts application (Weber et
al., 2007).
Table (6): Soil moisture constants (%) in the studied soil as
affected by different treatments
After first season After second season
F.C (%) W.P (%) A.W (%) F.C (%) W.P (%) A.W (%)
Control 36.62d 16.20c 20.42d 36.30d 16.15c 20.15c
1 A 41.23 16.14 25.09 39.83 16.32 23.51
2 A 38.86 15.38 23.48 37.61 15.20 22.41
Mean 40.12c 15.76c 24.29c 38.72c 15.76c 22.96b
1 B 44.90 18.30 26.60 42.78 18.97 23.81
2 B 50.91 21.50 29.41 49.14 20.96 28.18
3 B 44.82 19.68 25.14 41.01 17.98 23.03
4 B 46.18 19.04 27.14 45.02 20.52 24.50
Mean 46.70a 19.63a 27.07a 44.51b 19.68a 24.83a
1 C 43.06 19.00 23.06 41.36 18.40 22.96
2 C 46.23 19.10 27.13 44.69 19.61 25.08
3 C 42.81 17.25 25.56 41.07 18.14 22.93
4 C 43.26 17.12 26.14 42.80 18.53 24.27
Mean 43.84b 18.12b 25.47b 42.48a 18.67b 23.81a
L.S.D (0.05) 1.68 0.81 1.04 1.53 0.76 1.41
Sorghum and barley yields as affected by the added treatments:
It is clear from the data in Table (7), that sorghum and barley
yields were significantly increased in all the treated plots as compared to
control (untreated soil). It can be deduced that acid digested compost led
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021 11
12
to the highest increase in grains yield of sorghum and barley (1.17 and
2.22 ton fed-1, respectively), followed by base digested compost (1.02
and 1.83 ton fed-1), while non-digested compost led to the lowest increase
in sorghum and barley yields (0.73 and 1.52 ton fed-1, respectively).
Previous studies have also shown that applications of compost increased
barley grain yield (Agegnehu et al., 2016). Also Abd El-Mageed et al.
(2018) found a significance increase in sorghum grains yield after
compost application. This increase in sorghum and barley yields may be
attributed to that the pre-acid and base treatment of corn and rice straw
caused a high delivering of nutrients into the soil. Also, using of predigested
compost had decreased soil pH and EC and improved soil
physical properties which led to increase availability of nutrients and
increase sorghum and barley yields. Also, application of the pre-digested
compost to the soil led to a high supplying organic matter to the soil that
improved the soil content nutrients after mineralization of the organic
matter and increased the availability of nutrients for plants; subsequently,
the uptake of nutrients will be increased and the growth and productivity
of sorghum and barley will be improved (Hartley et al., 2010).
Table (7): Sorghum and barley yields as affected by different
treatments
Treatment Sorghum-first season
(ton fed-1)
Barley-second season
(ton fed-1)
Control 0.64d 1.21d
1 A 0.75 1.60
2 A 0.71 1.43
Mean 0.73c 1.52c
1 B 0.99 1.90
2 B 1.34 2.55
3 B 1.03 1.96
4 B 1.31 2.48
Mean 1.17a 2.22a
1 C 0.96 1.75
2 C 1.19 2.03
3 C 0.89 1.70
4 C 1.04 1.84
Mean 1.02b 1.83b
L.S.D (0.05) 0.07 0.15
CONCLUSION
Application of rice and corn straws treated by acid and base
improved soil physical properties to high extent. Such improvement
attributed to one or more of the following reasons: (1) Incorporation of
compost into the soil, aggregate stability increases most effectively. (2)
The organic matter produced from the treated straw compost increased
formation of macro aggregates that led to formation of macro pores and
increase the total porosity.(3) Values of hydraulic conductivity were
increased as a result of formation of large number of macro pores that
12 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021
13
improve water flow through soil layers. (4) Compost application
decreased values of soil bulk density as a result for the admixture of low
density organic matter into the mineral soil fraction. (5) Treated compost
gave higher values for field capacity due to improvement of the soil
aggregates and pores spaces which allowed the free movement of water
within the soil there by increasing the moisture content at field capacity.
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تأثير التحفيز الحامضى والقاعدى لبعض أنواع الکمبوست عمى بعض
خ واص الأرض الطبيعية
محمود عبدالجواد إسماعيل ، صيام حسن عبدالغنى ، حسين محمود خميل
معهد بحوث الأ ا رضى والمياه والبيئة ، مرکز البحوث الز ا رعية ، الجيزة ، مصر
9191 بمحطة بحوث / تم إج ا رء تجربة حقمية خلال الموسم الصيفى 9109 والموسم الشتوى 9109
بهتيم بمحافظة القميوبية ، وذلک لد ا رسة تأثير إضافة الکمبوست المعامل مسبقاً بحامض وقاعدة عمى بعض
الخواص الطبيعية لمتربة وانتاجية الذرة الرفيعة والشعير. تم إج ا رء تجربتين ، في هذه التجربة تم نقع قش الأرز
والذرة فى حامض کبريتيک 5 % لمدة ثلاثة أسابيع، بينما فى التجربة الثانية تم نقع قش الأرز والذرة فى محمول
هيدروکسيد بوتاسيوم 9 % لمدة أربعة أسابيع، ثم تم معادلتهم بواسطة کربونات الکالسيوم ومحمول الأمونيا فى
معاممة الحامض بينما تم معادلتهم بحامض کبريتيک وحامض ستريک فى معاممة هيدروکسيد البوتاسيوم. أيضاً تم
- إضافة قش الأرز والذرة لمتربة بدون معاممة بحامض أو قاعدة ، وبذلک يکون هناک أحد عشر معاممة وهى : 0
-4 قش أرز ، (2A) -3 قش ذرة غير معامل ، (1A) کنترول )تربة غير معاممة( ، 9- قش أرز غير معامل
-5 قش أرز معامل بحامض کبريتيک ومعادل ، (1B) معامل بحامض کبريتيک ومعادل بکربونات کالسيوم
-7 قش ذرة ، (3B) -6 قش ذرة معامل بحامض کبريتيک ومعادل بکربونات کالسيوم ، (2B) بمحمول أمونيا
-8 قش أرز معامل بهيدروکسيد بوتاسيوم ومعادل ، (4B) معامل بحامض کبريتيک ومعادل بمحمول أمونيا
-01 ، (2C) -9 قش أرز معامل بهيدروکسيد بوتاسيوم ومعادل بحامض ستريک ، (1C) بحامض کبريتيک
-00 قش ذرة معامل بهيدروکسيد ، (3C) قش ذرة معامل بهيدروکسيد بوتاسيوم ومعادل بحامض کبريتيک
4).تم استخدام تصميم قطاعات کاممة العشوائية لموسمين متتاليين فى هذه C) بوتاسيوم ومعادل بحامض ستريک
التجربة لد ا رسة تأثير أنواع الکمبوست المختمفة عمى بعض الخواص الطبيعية لمتربة وانتاجية الذرة الرفيعة والشعير.
أشارت النتائج إلى وجود زيادة فى قيم التجمعات الثابتة سواء الجافة أو المبتمة وبالتالى کان هناک زيادة
2). أيضاً أدت B) فى التجمعات الکمية الثابتة فى کل المعاملات مقارنة بالکنترول ، وکانت المعاممة الأفضل هى
جميع المعاملات المستخدمة إلى زيادة معنوية فى قيم التوصيل الهيدروليکى والمسامية الکمية ، وکانت القيم ألأکبر
4). أيضاً کان هناک انخفاض ممحوظ B) 2) تلاها معاممة B) لمتوصيل الهيدروليکى والمسامية الکمية فى معاممة
فى قيم الکثافة الظاهرية فى المعاملات المستخدمة مقارنة بالکنترول ، وکانت القيمة الأقل لمکثافة الظاهرية فى
2). أيضاً کان هناک زيادة معنوية فى قيم ثوابت الرطوبة فى المعاملات المستخدمة مقارنة بالکنترول، B) المعاممة
4). أيضاً B) 2) ثم C) 2) تلاها معاممة B) وکانت الزيادة الأکبر فى قيم السعة الحقمية والماء الميسر فى معاممة
المعاملات المستخدمة أدت إلى زيادة معنوية فى إنتاجية الذرة الرفيعة والشعير مقارنة بالکنترول، وکانت المعاممة
2). هذه الزيادة فى إنتاجية الذرة الرفيعة والشعير نتيجة B) الأفضل فى تحسين إنتاجية الذرة الرفيعة والشعير هى
لأن إضافة الکمبوست المعامل مسبقاً بحامض أو قاعدة أدت إلى تحسن فى الخواص الطبيعية لمتربة وأيضاً إلى
لمتربة مما أدى إلى زيادة ترکي ا زت العناصر المغذية المتاحة لمنبات مما أدى فى النهاية EC و pH انخفاض قيم
إلى زيادة إنتاجية محصول الذرة الرفيعة والشعير.
16 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (1) 2021
