Effect of Zeolite, Femur and Lignite Application Rates on Soil Hydraulic Properties and Fertility of Sandy and Clay Soils at Semi-arid Climate

Abstract

ABSTRACT Soil hydraulic properties are the key indicators that govern soil functioning. However, sandy and clay soils that cover large areas in semi-arid climate regions have inadequate hydraulic properties for agricultural activities. Therefore, their managements are necessary to help in sustaining agricultural production at acceptable levels. The impact of amendments of these two soil textures with 0.39 t.ha−1 (ton per hectare) and 0.78 t.ha−1 of zeolite and manure and 0.78 t.ha−1 of lignite and irrigated with treated wastewater (TWW) on soil hydraulic properties and roots/crops ratios were investigated. TWW and inputted zeolite, manure and lignite have moderately declined hydraulic conductivities (Kf), and increased bulk densities (BD) and water retention capacities (Wr %) of sandy soils. While in clay soils, an increase of Kf and BD and Wr decreases were observed after addition of manure and lignite. Zeolite addition again decreased Kf. The soil hydraulic property improvements were proportional to the used quantities. The statistical analyses showed that there was a statistically significance for the bulk density indicating a strong interaction between the soil textures and the different amendments. The hydraulic property improvements increased agricultural soil productivities of clay soils. The highest obtained weight crop/root volume ratio was from amended clay soils with manure. The new sandy soil properties remained unfavorable for agricultural activities, except the soil amended with lignite. In the long term, to have a better economic profitability of amended clay soil, the use of 0.78 t.ha−1 of zeolite or lignite is more advisable because they remain longer than manure.