Effect of Compost on Soil Properties in Dallas, Texas

Compost Science & Utilization, (2006), Vol. 14, No. 1, 59-67

David C. Weindorf (1), Richard E. Zartman (2) and B.L. Allen (2)

1. Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas
2. Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Compost derived from landscape debris was incorporated into seven different soils in the Dallas, Texas area at variable rates. Treatment levels for each of the 3.34 m2 quadrats were compost depths of approximately 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 cm. Composted plots were evaluated for two years to quantify differences in infiltration rate, moisture content, coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE), pH and salinity relative to control plots. Substantial differences in soil properties between sites barred comparison between sites. However, significant site-specific differences between control and treatments were observed. Infiltration rate was more strongly affected by soil texture, soil mineralogy, and climatic effects than by the addition of compost. Compost incorporation may provide a significant reduction in COLE values, but not necessarily to levels below the “very high” shrink/swell class. Soil water content significantly increased with elevated levels of compost in the Austin, Eddy, and Brackett soils. Incorporated landscape compost does provide quantifiable benefits to soil physical properties on certain soil series in the Dallas area.

Copyright 2007, The JG Press, Inc.