Effects of Sewage Sludge Application on Some Physical and Chemical Properties of a Soil Affected by Wind Erosion

Erosion is considered as a main problem for the loss of arable land around the world. As the world arable land is reaching its limit, marginal areas, such as those prone to wind erosion, have gained importance for agricultural use. A simple and effective way of restoring wind eroded soils is addition of organic materials. Sewage sludge can be an effective way to solve this problem. The effect of sewage sludge application on some physical and chemical properties of a soil affected by wind erosion was studied during 2004 - 2007 in Igdir plain (Aralik), Turkey. Sewage sludge was applied at the rates of 0, 40, 80 and 120 t ha(-1) (dry weight). The experiments were conducted for three years using a complete randomized block design with three replications in 12 plots, where barley (Hordeum vulgare) was sown. Sewage sludge application not only improved the physical and chemical properties of the soil, but also increased barley yield. However, increased yield was not sufficiently high. In order to achieve satisfactory yields, annual application of sewage sludge at the rate of, at least, 40 t ha(-1) is required.