ACHARYA N G RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, RAJENDRANAGAR, HYDERABAD30 DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY

Course Number : SOILS-513 Course Title : MANAGEMENT OF PROBLEM SOILS AND WATERS

Topic: SANDY SOILS AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Submitted to: Dr.Ch.SUJANI RAO, Associate Professor, Department of Soil Science & Agril. Chemistry.

Submitted by: I.THIRUPATHI, ID.No: RAM /1210, M.Sc. (Ag.) 2nd year
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Based on soil texture soils are classified into Sandy soils loamy soils Clay soils

General characteristics of the three principal soil textures Sandy soil Gritty feel particularly when wet. Good drainage. Quick to warm up. Little nutrient retention capacity. Little water retention capacity. No electrical charge. Silty soils Silky or soapy feel when wet Reasonable drainage (if well structured) No electrical charge Clay soils Sticky feel. Heave when wet. Poor drainage. Good water retention. Good nutrient retention. Cold, slow to warm up. Negative electrical charge

SANDY SOIL The soils having at least 70% of sand particles are known as sandy soils. Sandy soils are amongst the most extensive soils in the world, covering more than 900 mha (Driessen et al., 2001).Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles. The composition of sand is highly variable, depending on the local rock sources and conditions, but the most common constituent of sand in inland continental settings and non-tropical coastalsettings is silica (silicon dioxide, or SiO2), usually in the form of quartz. The second most common type of sand is calcium carbonate, for example aragonite, which has mostly been created, over the past half billion years, by various forms of life, like coral and shellfish. Properties of sandy soils: Less specific surface Low total porosity Internal drainage rate is high High soil aeration
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 Non Plastic Non stickyness low in organic matter content Less water holding capacity High infiltration and permeability Problems with structure in sandy soils Sand has very little structure Sand grains lack positive or negative electrical charges and do not hold on to other particles or nutrients Water drains away quickly Organic matter is used up quickly Nutrients are leached from the soil

1. Texture Sandy soil is comprised of minuscule pieces of rock .05 to 2 mm in diameter and has a gritty texture to it. Sandy soil is the lightest of all the soils and therefore is prone to both water and wind erosion if no plant life exists in it. Its light texture sometimes makes it a choice for gardeners looking to lighten other, heavier soils. Use caution when adding sand to lighten heavy clay soils, as the combination of the two can create a harder, not lighter, soil.

2. Porosity Sandy soil, due to its high sand content, is the most porous soil type of all, often earning it the name "hungry soil" because of its frequent need for watering and how quickly it dries out. . Due to its high porosity, sandy soil is not suitable for plants requiring moist soil conditions, unless it is first amended with a material such as peat moss, to help retain moisture. Its one advantage over the other soil types is its ability to warm up quickly in the spring, allowing for an earlier planting date if weather permits.

2. Water holding capacity: The water holding capacity of sandy soils is generally less. Water is held in the soil on the surface of particles and in the micropores. Due to less micro pores and high macro porosity the water will be easily drained away, so that available water for the plants are relatively very less compare to clay soils.

3. Surface crusting Because of the very small inter-particle cohesion that results in a very small aggregate stability, sandy soils are highly sensitive to surface crusting. Crusts protect the soil surface from wind and inter rill erosion but they also favour runoff and consequently rill and gully erosion. The development of crusts leads to runoff that can be quite significant.

4. Soil erosion Soil erosion by wind and water occurs in all environments (Hudson, 1995). Removal of soil takes place by detachment of small soil particles from the soil surface and their transport, by wind or water, to another location is known as soil erosion. The greater the wind or water velocity, the greater the likelihood of particle detachment and the size of particle which can be transported. Generally in sandy soils wind erosion to quite common.

5. Soil compaction Unlike other soils, the structure of sandy soils can be easily affected by mechanical compaction over a large range of scales. Compaction is a major source of yield reduction. Restricts root growth.

nutrient availability Limits Limits water availability

Limits aeration. Poor root health Increased root pathogen

6. Nutrients availability Sandy soil is an acidic soil type, which many plants prefer, but its general lack of nutrients makes it a less than desirable growing medium on its own.

Due to low CEC and less surface area the nutrient retention capacity of sandy soils are low compare to clay soils. In general the nitrogen availability in sandy soil is very low due to high leaching effect.

Improving the structure of sandy soils Addition of organic matter to improve water and nutrient holding capacity Cultivation of compacted soils Addition of clay marling

1. Addition of organic matter Adding organic matter, such as compost, farm yard manure, crop residues will provide the nutrients plants need to thrive in this soil. Help to bind the soil particles to form aggregates. Prevent the formation of massive structure. Increase the water holding capacity of the soil. Increase the nutrient retention capacity by increasing CEC

Case study-1

Adeoye et al., Agricultural journal, 2011 2. Addition of clay Many sandy soils have low levels of microbial activity. This is generally associated with low levels of organic matter, a vital carbon source for soil biology. Research has indicated that the addition of clay to non-wetting soils may increase the microbial activity . clay addition benefits such as increased organic carbon supply, nutrient availability, water availability, improved porosity (microbial habitat) and pH.

Case study-2 CHANGES IN PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SANDY SOIL AND GROWTH OF PHYSIC NUT (Jatropha curcas L.) DUE TO ADDITION OF CLAY AND ORGANIC MATTER Effect of clay and organic matter addition and irrigation interval on soil bulk density at 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment (DAT).

Effect of clay and organic matter addition and irrigation interval on total soil porosity at 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment (DAT).

CONCLUSION:Incorporation of clay together with organic matter to sandy soil increased aggregate stability, total soil porosity, and available water content and decreased soil bulk density. The response of physic nut grown on sandy soil added with clay and organic matter was indicated by increasing plant height and shoot number. Irrigation intervals (10 and 20 days) did not affect soil physical properties and plant growth.

3. Compaction Though the compaction is the negative effect on soil properties But incase of sandy soils it has been suggested for minimizing leaching losses of nutrients and to improve moisture storage in the soil.

Case study-3 Effect of compaction on physical properties of sandy soils of Rajasthan Effect of levels of compaction on bulk density (Mg m -3) of soil at various stages of crop growth

Singh et al.,2013

Indian journal of soil conservation.

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CONCLUSION:In sandy soils, compaction of subsurface soil layers at procter moisture decreased the saturated hydraulic conductivity, non capillary porosity and infiltration rate but it increased bulk density, moisture retention capacity and capillary porosity of soil. However, it was recorded that as a result of reduction in macropores moisture holding capacity of these soils increased especially just below the plough layer (15-30 cm). The moisture retention was more in 15-30 cm soil layer followed by 30-45 cm soil layer. 4. Nitrogen management in sandy soils 1. Select the proper nitrogen fertilizer. Avoid using nitrate forms of nitrogen fertilizer where possible. Ammonium containing fertilizers such as anhydrous ammonia and 28% UAN contain ammonium nitrogen, which is not subject to leaching. Urea is also a more stable form of nitrogen on sandy soils than nitrate forms. 2. Apply the recommended rate. Select the correct rate of nitrogen for your soil and crop based on soil test recommendations. Too little nitrogen cuts into profits through yield reductions and quality problems; too much Nitrogen increases costs through unnecessary fertilizer use and increases the potential for leaching. 3. Use split applications of nitrogen. The practice of split applications of nitrogen should help to supply fertilizer when the crop needs it. The use of the pre-side dress nitrogen test will also help pinpoint exact nitrogen requirements. Crop nitrogen needs can also be monitored with plant tissue sampling. 4. Use variable rate technology. With variable rate technology and yield monitors, it is now possible to match the nitrogen rate to the yield potential in specific areas of the field. This will enable optimum nitrogen rates by applying higher rates of nitrogen where yield potential is higher and lower nitrogen rates where yield potential is lower. 5. Use nitrification inhibitors. Use nitrification inhibitors, especially in surface-applied nitrogen applications. These products slow down the conversion of ammonium nitrogen into nitrate nitrogen. The most common nitrification inhibitors used today are ammonium thiosulphate and nitrapyrin. 6. Use cover crops. The use of cover crops helps to soak up and use any leftover nitrogen in the ground and prevent it from leaching. . 7. Incorporate materials as soon as possible after application. Always incorporate manure and fertilizer such as urea as soon as possible after application. Where immediate incorporation
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is not practical or possible, use a urease inhibitor such as N-(nbutyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) to prevent nitrogen loss due to volatilization. 8. Irrigate wisely. Irrigation is both necessary and economically viable for many crops grown on sandy soils. Use an irrigation- scheduling program that provides the required water while at the same time avoiding over-application. 9. Use buffer zones. This practice applies to nitrogen application on any soil type, but especially on sandy soils. Do not apply nitrogen near wells and other environmentally sensitive areas. Case study-4 Nutrient Management Practices for Sustaining Groundnut Yield and Soil Productivity on Sandy Loam Soils Effect of different treatments on yield of groundnut (t ha-1) and economics (2005-09)

Akbari et al., 2011

Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science

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Conclusion:Maximum values of total uptake of Zn, Fe and Mn was recorded under T5 (T2 + 10 kg zinc sulphate ha-1), T6 (T2 + spray of 1.0% ferrous sulphate at 45 and 55 DAS) and T10 (50% of T2+ 500 kg castor cake ha-1), respectively due to higher content of particular nutrient in pod and haulm of groundnut. Application of 50% RDF (6.25:12.50 NP kg ha-1) along with 500 kg castor cake ha-1 to groundnut produced highest yield and net realization. Case study-5 Effects of recycled bentonite addition on soil properties, plant growth and nutrient uptake in a tropical sandy soil Chemical properties of the initial soil, the bentonites and selected combinations of soil bentonite

Cracker et al., 2004

Plant and SoiL.

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RESULT:The application of bentonite at the rate of 40 t ha1 increased the cation exchange capacity (CEC) from 0.6 cmolc kg-1 in the control to 1.9 and 0.7 cmolc kg1 in the BB and OB, respectiveley. The lower value of the CEC for OB compared to BB was probably due to the activation process and oil coating. OB applications at rates higher than 20 t ha1 did not increase biomass, and biomass decreased with increasing water repellency. Exchangeable K was exhausted in two crops, whatever the initial level, stressing the issue of K management in this soil type. Soybean OB is a promising material for soil chemical properties and biomass production, probably because of its low oil content. Case study-6 Effects of hydroabsorbent used on extremely sandy soils on soil biological and biochemical characteristics

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Conclusions Hydrogels have a large number of documented benefits, e.g. in decreasing erosion, sediment and nutrient losses reduction to sensitive environments. Hydroabsorbents have been used with success in horticulture, in ecological restoration projects in arid regions of the world. Under our conditions, the use of hydrogels in recultivation projects on degraded sites (for example after mining) where there are commonly difficulties with revegetation because of extreme soil characteristics such as lack of water, organic matter, nutrients, etc., and where there are considerable losses of plants, is beneficial in minimising consequently economic losses.

Case study-7 Effect of soil management practices on runoff and soil loss Treatments:C-Convention tillage, MW-Manual weeding, SM-Soil mulching, HA-Hand weeding. CT-Conservation tillage.

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Effect of soil management practices on runoff and soil loss on pea and tomato cropping system. Treatment Run off(mm) Pea Soil loss (t/ha) Run off (mm) Tomato Soil loss (t /ha) 7.31 203.80 158.80 81.79 94.08 10.55 7.98 1.64 2.00

T1 (C) T2 (C+MW) T3 (C+HA) T4 (C+SM) T5 (C+SM+MW) T6 (C+SM+HA) T7 (CT) T8 (CT+MW) T9 (CT+HA) CD (P= 0.05)

13.11 15.89 14.64 3.20 4.11

1.78 2.08 1.93 0.43 0.49

139.20

3.58 4.88 5.92 5.41 0.67

0.47 0.35 0.45 0.40 0.10

89.47 102.10 122.40 112.40 3.50

0.77 0.72 0.91 0.78 0.14

Verma et al., 2003

Indian journal of soil conservation

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Effect of soil management practices on green pod /fruit and straw yields of pea and tomato Treatment Pea Green pod (kg/ha) T1 (C) T2 (C+MW) T3 (C+HA) T4 (C+SM) T5 (C+SM+MW) T6 (C+SM+HA) T7 (CT) T8 (CT+MW) T9 (CT+HA) CD (P= 0.05) 7669 9376 8145 8440 10399 8953 820 9784 8830 314 Pea straw (kg/ha ) 1905 2321 2013 2129 2649 223 2090 2560 2222 72 net return Tomato fruit (kg/ha) 16560 26320 193340 22330 31220 24420 20870 27310 22620 1142 Tomato straw (kg/ha) 1667 2583 1949 2245 3124 2447 2120 2794 2275 112 Net return (rs. ha) 33050 72500 44950 50780 89300 59350 61700 83800 65100 -

(Rs. /ha) 29260 37790 30950 31468 45183 34590 5690 42140 36690 -

Verma et al., 2003

Indian journal of soil conservation

Result:Among all the treatments T5 treatment conventional tillage + Soil mulching + manual weeding gives highest yields for both the crops and also it reduces the runoff, soil losses in both years.

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