Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)

Influence of Crushed Limestone, Sand Mix, and Bulk Density on Soil Physical Properties Cultivated with Turfgrass in Sulaimani Governorate, Iraq

10.58928/ku26.17311
Volume 17, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Page 88-101
Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

saman farhad abdul 1
Salahaddin Abdulqadir Aziz 2

1 Natural resources, college og Agricultural Engineering Sciences, sulaimani university

2 College of Agricultural Engineering science, Sulaimani University

Abstract
This study was conducted on the experimental football field of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani, to evaluate the effects of crushed limestone, sand mixtures, and bulk density on key soil physical properties (infiltration, shear strength, saturation hydraulic conductivity, penetration and compaction) influencing turfgrass performance. A factorial design included three root zone mixture depths Z₁ (sand mixture), Z₂ (crushed limestone mixture), Z₃ (sand mixture + crushed limestone mixture) and three bulk density levels—D₁ (1.45), D₂ (1.55), and D₃ (1.65) g cm⁻³—yielding nine treatment combinations (Z × D). The primary parameters assessed were infiltration rate, shear strength, hydraulic conductivity, and dry matter content. Results indicated a strong inverse relationship (R² > 0.93) between bulk density and infiltration rate, showing that increased compaction markedly reduced soil permeability. Crushed limestone mixtures demonstrated superior structural stability and hydraulic performance compared with sand-only treatments due to improved particle interlocking and lowers void spaces. The Z₁ (sand-dominant) mixture maintained the highest infiltration rates, while the limestone-enriched Z₂ achieved the maximum dry matter yield (7.667%) at D₁ (1.45 g cm⁻³). At the highest compaction level (D₃ = 1.65 g cm⁻³), both infiltration and dry matter significantly decreased, reaching 2.333% in Z₁ × D₃. Shear strength increased with compaction, ranging from 1.9–2.2 kPa to 2.5–3.1 kPa, confirming greater mechanical resistance in denser soils. Hydraulic conductivity also declined with bulk density (R² = 0.900). Overall, crushed limestone mixtures outperformed natural sand, producing a more stable, permeable, and biologically supportive root zone for sustainable turfgrass management as well as Crushed limestone compositions generally performed better than natural ones.

Keywords

crushed limestone
sand mixtures
bulk density
infiltration rate
dry matter and turfgrass sport field
Subjects
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