Effects of ash derived from livestock manure and two other treatments on soil moisture content and water infiltration rate

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of using livestock manure (LM), livestock manure ash (LMA) and the combination of LM with LMA (LM + LMA) on the soil moisture content and water infiltration rate of clay, clay loam and sandy loam soils. The soil moisture content and water infiltration rate were 11.60, 8.90 and 6.85% and 1.98, 1.55 and 1.62 cm h‾¹ for clay, clay loam and sandy loam soils, respectively, by the application of 15 t ha‾¹ LM. Moreover, using 15 t ha‾¹ of LMA had the most desirable effects on the soil moisture content in the clay and clay loam soils. Using this treatment, the soil moisture content and water infiltration rate were 10.85, 11.20 and 7.24% and 2.40, 1.90 and 1.75 cm h‾¹ for clay, clay loam and sandy loam soils, respectively. Promising results were obtained using 15 + 15 t ha‾¹ of LM + LMA, where the soil moisture content and water infiltration rate were 11.50, 10.20 and 8.20% and 2.80, 1.90 and 1.72 cm h‾¹ for clay, clay loam and sandy loam soils, respectively. Both LMA and its combination with LM were found to be positive strategies to achieve sustainable agricultural goals because of the increased water infiltrates (less runoff) available for the plants.