The effect of large applications of pig slurry on the strength of soil under grass |
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| Authors: | R.J. Stevens R.J. Laughlin H.J. Logan H.I. Gracey |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Agriculture, Food and Agricultural Chemistry Research Division, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX.;The Queen's University of Belfast, Food and Agricultural Chemistry Department, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX.;Department of Agriculture, Greenmount Agricultural and Horticultural College, Antrim BT41 4PU. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract. The effect of eight years of applications of five rates (0, 134, 269, 538 and 1075 m3 ha−1 a−1) of pig slurry on the soil strength two years later were studied in a field experiment. Soil strength in the 0–150 mm depth was measured on five occasions in winter using a hand-held recording cone penetrometer. On one occasion the penetration resistance at some depths greater than 100 mm was significantly ( P < 0.001) decreased by adding more than 269 m3 of slurry ha−1 a−1. On three occasions different amounts of slurry caused significant differences in the rate of increase of penetration resistance with depth. Large applications of slurry may decrease penetration resistance because they increase organic matter, thereby increasing the water retention of the soil. |
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