Physical soil properties after seven years of composted tannery-sludge application

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the effects of composted tannery sludge (CTS) on the physical properties of tropical sandy soil after seven years of CTS application. CTS was applied to a Fluvisol at five rates (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 Mg ha-1) in experimental plots (sized 20 m2) with four replications. Water infiltration into the soil was determined in the field with the concentric-ring infiltrometer method. Bulk density, total porosity, macroporosity, and microporosity were determined in the soil samples. The permanent CTS application altered the physical properties of the soil and led to a decrease in bulk density. The total porosity, microporosity and macroporosity values in the CTS-applied soil ranged from 44.1–51.7, 34.6–39.4, and 9.1–12.8%, respectively. Water-infiltration rates were significantly influenced by CTS. The cumulative infiltrated water in the soil varied from 21.3–34.7 cm. The basic infiltration rate was lower in the unamended soil and increased with an increase in the rate of CTS application. This study confirmed that the physical soil parameters improved after the permanent CTS application. Therefore, this application may be a suitable strategy for improving physical soil properties over time.