Effects of Conditioner Application on Some Mechanical Properties in Soils with Different pH

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of rice husk compost, town waste compost and tobacco waste on mechanical properties of soil under greenhouse conditions. Soil samples used in the study were taken from surface (0-20 cm) the lands near Samsun province and districts. These soil samples were fine to moderate in texture, acid, neutral and alkaline in pH, low in salt content, low to moderate in organic matter content, and low to high in lime content. The organic sources were applied into soils with four doses (0%, 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5%) and two replicates. After four months of incubation period, lettuce plants were grown in the soils. The results show that applications of rice husk compost, town waste compost and tobacco waste in acidic, neutral and alkaline soils significantly increased the liquid limit and plastic limit values with respect to application doses. These treatments significantly decreased shrinkage and coefficient of linear extensibility values. It was determined that these effects varied based on pH level, and the type and application doses of organic sources.

Keywords

• Liquid limit
• plastic limit
• percent shrinkage
• COLE
• organic waste