Assessing the long-term effect of different organic amendments on the quality of acidic sandy soil

Abstract

Sandy soils are susceptible to the adverse effects of intensive land use and climate change, which can cause a decline in soil quality. As agricultural practices have an important role in soil processes, the objective of this research was to monitor the soil parameters determining the soil quality by studying the long-term effects of different organic amendments on soil. The research was done in long-term soil improvement experiments on Dystric Lamellic Arenosol. In addition to conventional organic fertilizers (farmyard manure with or without chemical fertilizers, green manure), alternative fertilizers such as sewage sludge compost were also applied. For the complex evaluation, we have been carrying out soil physical, chemical, and enzyme activity tests and field soil respiration measurements for 3 years. The beneficial effect of sewage sludge compost on the parameters determining the soil quality was more pronounced compared to the effect of conventional fertilization methods. The long-term incorporation of sewage sludge compost into the soil significantly increased the soil organic matter content and pH, and improved the physico-chemical parameters of the soil. The positive changes in soil parameters as a result of compost application contributed to the stimulation of soil life, which resulted in more intensive soil respiration and enzyme activities. The research confirmed the significance of the long-term supply of organic matter on sandy soil that can be implemented sustainably through the agricultural utilization of sewage sludge compost and contributes to the enhancement of soil organic carbon storage and the improvement of soil quality in acidic sandy soil.