Abstract:

Moisture shortage is a major crop production in sandy soils. This study evaluated
the potential for Ca-bentonite (2:1 clay mineral) as an amendment for increased moisture retention
by sandy soils in drought strickcn/prunv aveus. In thv green house, mnize wns grown to sandy soil
containing 0,5,10,15 and 2()?C'a-benkinik'hy v.eight, rcphcul.»«f ?«•?
watered to field capacity (30% water) then maize (Longe V) gm. for :¦ :
The mixtures we conditions, Ca-bentonite significantly (P<0.05) increased soil moisture retention, pH, N, P, Ca
and Mg content, and subsequently, maize dry matter yield. Under field conditions, Ca-
bentonitcsignificantly (P<0.05) increased maize grain yield by 40%. Yields were even higher (65
to 108% above the control) where bentonite was combined with FYM and/or DAP. Results suggest
that Ca-bentonite has potential asa soil auiendmcntfor moisture conservation, neutralizing acidity,
and improving N, P, Ca and Mg contcntin sandy soils, and consequently support crop growth and
yield, and therefore presents a possible option for amelioration of sandy soils in drought stressed
environments, hence climate change adaptation