Does hazelnut husk compost (HHC) effect on soil water holding capacity (WHC)? An environmental approach

In this study, we applied hazelnut husk waste that was composted by using microbial biotechnological techniques into soil in the field conditions. The hazelnut husk compost (HHC) was applied in two hazelnut orchards having different textures such as sandy loam (SL) and clay loam (CL) soils and used different application rates (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 t da -1 ).  Soil sampling was done four times in a year (spring, summer, fall and winter). We investigated the effects of HHC on soil water holding capacity related to available water content of soil at both field capacity (FC) and permanent wilting point (PWP) with weight basis. Soil moisture coefficients were determined by using pressure plate and indicated as percentage weights at FC (-33 kPa) and PWP (-1500 kPa). Our results showed that HHC doses, sampling periods and soil textures effected soil water holding capacity at both FC and PWP. In addition, FC and PWP were found the highest at 10 t da -1 application dose. Findings of this study, the huge importance of HHC that related to protect soil water without harmful to the environment emphasized.