Impact of Biogas Slurry on Some Physical Properties in Sandy and Calcareous Soils, Egypt

Sandy and calcareous soils in Egypt are promising for increasing cultivated area to suffice the growing food demand; however, their physical properties adverse plant growth. Hence, the current work was carried out to evaluate the effect of biogas slurry (BGS) application rates of 0, 30, 60 and 90 g kg-1 on physical properties in sandy and calcareous soils. Soils were incubated for six months under laboratory conditions keeping the moisture content around 70% of holding capacity. The BGS applications resulted in significant increases (P < 0.05) in organic matter content, total soil porosity, air-filled porosity and water holding capacities while decreased bulk density and void ratio in both soils compared to the control (untreated soils). Soil hydraulic conductivity significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in sandy soil but increased in calcareous soil, with the highest application rate of 90 g kg-1 being the most effective treatment. Generally, the BGS proved success in ameliorating soil physical properties.