Soil physicochemical (colloidal) properties affected by ozonated water and organic fertilization.

Abstract

More has to be investigated on the use of ozonated water (O3) for the improvement of growth medium properties. Accordingly, the objective was to examine the effects of O3 (control, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg L−1) on soil physicochemical (colloidal) properties using organic fertilization (manure), under non-planted or planted conditions. Different soil physicochemical (colloidal) properties including soil available water (SAW), aggregate stability, soil porosity, pH, salinity (EC), organic carbon (SOC), CaCO3, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined. The experimental treatments and their interactions significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected soil physicochemical properties including SAW (4.17–10.98%), aggregate stability and porosity (7.77–57.37%), SOC (0.15–2.09%), and CEC (17.68–42.75 Cmol( +)/kg). Interestingly, the single use of O3 or in combination with manure significantly decreased EC. Although O3 significantly decreased SOC in non-planted soils, it significantly increased SOC in planted soils. O3 may enhance soil physicochemical (colloidal) properties, and if combined with manure in a planted soil, such positive effects may be further enhanced.