Effect of Irrigation with Different Doses of Hydrogen Peroxide on Potato and Maize Yield, Quality, and Soil Fertility in Heavy Clay Soil

---

Sarıyev A. (Executive), Acar M., Doğan K., Sesveren S., Yaşa Kafkas N. E., Gencer M., et al.

TUBITAK Project, 1001 - Program for Supporting Scientific and Technological Research Projects, 2024 - 2027

• Project Type: TUBITAK Project
• Support Program: 1001 - Program for Supporting Scientific and Technological Research Projects
• Begin Date: March 2024
• End Date: March 2027

Project Abstract

Heavy-textured soils extending large parts of the Çukurova Region generate considerable physical productivity issues. Tuber plants and corn suffer significant yield losses due to root growth and aeration challenges in heavy clay soils. The issue of soil aeration can be substantially resolved by enhancing the soil's structure and supplementing it with organic matter, such as compost and farmyard manure. However, such applications are not deemed viable because the supply of organic material is limited, and they will only provide a long-term solution. The main goal of this research, which focuses on the transfer of fundamental sciences to applied branches, is to incorporate hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into irrigation water in order to contribute additional oxygen to the plant root zone, which will serve as one of the fundamental building blocks for future studies that will help solve the aeration issue in heavy clay soils. As a result of its dissociation in the environment, the dissociation of H₂O₂ into water and oxygen contributes significantly to the solution of the aeration problem in heavy clay soils.

H₂O₂ is a chemical that is inexpensive and poses little risk to the environment. When hydrogen peroxide is incorporated into irrigation water, it creates a friable environment in the soil as a result of numerous decompositions in the environment, which enhances air diffusion. In this regard, a two-year experiment including potatoes and corn as the second crop in rotation will be established at Çukurova University's Faculty of Agriculture, Research and Application Farm. The experiment involved three irrigation levels: full irrigation (I100), 75% irrigation (I75), and 50% irrigation (I50), as well as three hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 0 ppm, 300 ppm, and 600 ppm. Irrigation and hydrogen peroxide applications will be applied in three repetitions. The overall influence of H₂O₂ applied to irrigation water on physical, chemical, and biological productivity in the soil, as well as the productivity and quality characteristics of the plants, will be studied.