Effect of Soil Mixing with Organic Residues on Some Physical Properties of Soil and Plant Growth

Abstract

The effect of soil mixing with various organic materials on the physical properties of soil and plant growth was studied in the nursery of the Experimental Station of Al-Fateh University in Tripoli, Libya in 1978-1979.

Water holding capacity (WHC), and aeration porosity (AP) are the two main physical properties in consideration, both were effectively altered by soil mixing. The best results were obtained by adding 50% peat moss to 50% sand (MJ. WHC has increased from approximately 10% by volume in M, to approximately 35% in M3. AP was reduced by mixing from approximately 17% on volume basis for M] to approximately 9% in M3. As for the best plant growth M3 is selected for growing Eucalyptus camalgulensis Dehn. For stronger and better stands; however, M9 (50% sand+ 50% peat moss + compound fertilizer + fish meal) is preferred. If sawdust is used as a substitute for the imported peat moss, it should be treated with urea before being incorporated into the mixture.