Examination of the effect of application of limestone and quicklime on selected soils - a study regarding key parameters of soil physics

Wien

2014

S. 26

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

200190149

Soils, having a high content of clay – e.g Pseudogleys - are very susceptible to compaction – naturally or anthropogenic – what causes negative effects of essential soil functions. Compaction results in a decrease of pore space, especially of macropores, and an increase of bulk density. It further impairs the water- and air permeability and results in degradation of aggregate stability. With application of limestone and quicklime this negative effects should be eliminated. In this study a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of limestone and quicklime on selected physical properties over a time of three months. The soil of three different locations in Austria (Strengberg, Pollham, Kemeten) were sampled and incubated with an application rate of 2000 kg ha-1 in the first 7-10 cm. Additionally pots without adding any substance were created, but equally handled. As a whole there were taken and investigated 27 (3 soils x 3 variants x 3 samplings) pots. Throughout the duration of the experiment the moisture content was kept at the same level according to water holding capacity by adding water in regular intervals. Soil samples were taken two days, one month and three months after the application. To evaluate the short- and medium-term effects soil physical properties such as Water Retention, Aggregate Stability and Bulk Density were investigated. In addition both Grain Size Distribution within an interval of 1cm and water content as basic soil physical analysis were examined. In contrast to limestone, the application of quicklime results in a significant improvement of soil aggregate stability in all tested soils throughout the whole duration of the examination. Effects of limestone and quicklime on the other analysed parameters could not – or just insignificant- be recognized.