Abstract

ABSTRACT Farmyard manure, vermicompost and leonardite materials are widely used to improve soil fertility. However, studies determining the effect of these organic materials on soil carbon and nitrogen gain at different times after mixing them with the soil are limited. This study was conducted to determine the effects of increased doses of leonardite, vermicompost, and farmyard manure (0, 20, 40, and 60 tons ha−1) on soil nitrogen concentration and carbon cycle at different incubation times (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 days) after they were mixed into the soil. Analysis results of soil samples taken during six different incubation periods showed that organic matter amount in the soil, total nitrogen (N), and nitrogen components (NO3 –NH4 +) varied significantly depending on the type of material applied, the amount of application, and the residence time of the material in the soil. The most significant increases in the amount of the soil organic matter were determined on the 90th day of mixing 40 tons of ha−1 vermicompost into the soil, on the 60th day of mixing 40 tons of ha−1 leonardite into the soil, and on the 30th day of mixing 60 tons of ha−1 farmyard manure into the soil. The highest values in terms of soil total nitrogen concentration was observed on the 60th day of application of 60 tons of ha−1 leonardite to the soil, on the 15th day of application of 60 tons of ha−1 vermicompost, and on the 45th day of application of 40 tons of ha−1 farmyard manure. As a result, it was determined that the positive effect of increased doses of organic material on soil characteristics increased with prolonging of incubation time and vermicompost was an important organic material that might be an alternative to farmyard manure.

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