Gokhan Cayci

Composted grape marc as growing medium for hypostases (Hypostases phyllostagya)

The use of composted grape marc (CGM) as a plant growth medium was investigated with Hypostases (Hypostases phyllostagya). Seven media were prepared using CGM mixed, in different ratios, with native peat and perlite. The following mixtures were used: 100% CGM, 75% CGM + 25% peat, 50% CGM + 50% perlite, 25% CGM + 75% peat, 50% CGM + 25%) peat + 25% perlite, 25%, CGM + 50%, peat + 25% perlite and 100% peat. The experiment was arranged in a randomized plot design with four replicates under greenhouse conditions. After a growing period of three months, some horticultural parameters were measured. Besides, some physical and chemical properties of the growing medium were determined. The mixtures of 50% CGM + 50% peat, 25% CGM + 75% peat and 100% peat were found to be most suitable based on the horticultural parameters. This was confirmed through the physical characteristics. Up to 50% composted grape marc can be used in mixtures with peat on account of its low cost and high nutrient content.

Effects of beer factory sludge on soil properties and growth of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris saccharifera L.)

The possible use of beer factory sludge (BFS) for an agricultural purpose was investigated with sugar beet (Beta vulgaris saccharifera L.). BFS was air dried and sieved through a 4 mm mesh before application to a soil (Typic Xerofluvent). Afterwards, the BFS was mixed with soil at a rate 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 tonnes ha(-1). The mixtures were than put into pots and kept in the greenhouse for an incubation of five months. During the incubation, pH, the electrical conductivity, the organic matter content, NH4+-N and NO3--N content were regularly measured. At the end of the incubation period, sugar beet seeds were sown into the same pots. After a growing period of six-months the sugar beet plants were harvested, and yield and quality parameters were determined. BFS increased leaf and root yield. However, the effect of BFS on leaf growth was more pronounced than on root growth. The highest sugar content, refined sugar content and refined sugar yield were obtained with the application rate of 10 tonnes BFS per hectare. Ten tonnes of BSF per hectare was the most suitable on the basis of root quality parameters and root yield. However BFS should be applied to the soil six or seven months in advance due to the high level of nitrogen released through mineralization.

Use of waste pyrite as an alternative to gypsum for alkaline soil amelioration

The reclamation of alkaline soils is of great interest especially in arid and semi-arid climatic regions of the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of pyrite from the waste materials of a copper concentration plant as an alternative to gypsum application for alkaline soil amelioration. The second aim was to assess heavy metal contamination. Waste pyrite (FeS2) obtained from a copper concentration plant and pure gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) were added to soil within the columns and pots. Column-leaching tests were performed to determine the effectiveness of waste pyrite application on alkaline soil characteristics as compared with gypsum application. Greenhouse pot experiments were also conducted for evaluating the effects of these soil additives on plant growth. The results indicated that the pH and exchangeable sodium percentage of the experimental soil significantly decreased (p < 0.01) upon waste pyrite and gypsum applications. While waste pyrite was very effective in increasing the levels of essential plant micro-nutrients and dry matter weight of wheat, it did not cause pollution or toxicological problems in the soil. The results of this study clearly indicated that waste pyrite is a good ameliorating agent and an alternative to gypsum in reclamation of alkaline soils.

Effect of irrigation regimes on carbon isotope discrimination, yield and irrigation water productivity of wheat

The present research study was carried out during the years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 to identify the relationship between carbon isotope discrimination (δ) of grain and leaf, yield of winter wheat, and irrigation water productivity (IWP) under different water conditions in a semiarid climate. The field experiments were conducted with four different irrigation treatments (I1: rainfed: I2: irrigate when calculated soil water depletion is 60 mm below field capacity (full irrigation); I3: two irrigations maximum, one at tillering and another at grain filling; I4: no irrigation after establishment until heading, after which irrigate when soil water depletion is 60 mm below field capacity). The leaf (δL) and the grain (δG) carbon isotope discriminations, biomass, and grain yield (GY) were measured in the experiments and the harvest index (HI) and IWP were calculated. At the end of the study, taking a 2-year average, GY and HI were found to be 3.35 t ha-1, 4.53 t ha-1, 4.13 t ha-1, and 4.37 t ha-1 and 29%, 31%, 31%, and 32%, respectively, according to the treatments. The results showed a significant positive linear correlation between δ and GY. These results highlight that grain δ at the pre-anthesis stage could be beneficial for predicting yield under well-irrigated conditions. The highest IWP value was obtained from I4 treatment. δ-IWP and GY-IWP were negatively correlated. IWP can be indicated as an advantage in deciding about limited irrigation regimes for wheat production in arid areas. The results of the present study show that full irrigation treatment (I2) could be recommended in areas with no water shortage conditions. Moreover, limited irrigation such as treatment I4 at 4.8% level produced only optimum yield reduction and had the potential for saving approximately 50% of irrigation water.

The Effects of Fresh and Composted Chicken Manures on Some Soil Characteristics

ABSTRACT The effects of fresh and composted chicken manures on some soil characteristics were investigated. Fresh and composted chicken manures were mixed with the soil at the rates of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%, and then were incubated for 90 days. At the end of this incubation period, some soil physical properties closely related to soil aggregation (such as hydraulic conductivity, water stable aggregates, aeration porosity, and available water) and some soil chemical characteristics (such as organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH, and electrical conductivity, EC) were determined. As doses of both manures in the soil mixtures increase, the amounts of water stable aggregates, hydraulic conductivity, and aeration porosity increased, whereas the available water content decreased. Increasing doses of both manures increased the amount of the soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. Application of both manures to the soil increased the EC values, but it was limited in the composted chicken manure.