Effect of long-term vinasse application on physical properties of soil in sugarcane fields

To study the effects of vinasse application on physico-chemical properties of soil, different treatments viz.,(i) spraying water @ 105.0 t/ha (CK), (ii) conventional fertilization + spraying water @ 105.0 t/ha (CF) and (iii) soil application of vinasse @ 75.0 t/ha + spraying water @ 30.0 t/ha, have been applied in two sugarcane fields in Fusui County,Guangxi, during 2005-2007 and 2006-2007, respectively. The results showed that, after 2-3 years of continuous vinasse application to sugarcane fields, the soil bulk density declined, while the total porosity and capillary porosity increased in the plow layer of soil. The soil water stable aggregate content enhanced, but the soil clay content decreased. The vinasse application in sugarcane field resulted in improved physical properties of soil and soil hardening was not detected in the field.