Effects of Maghnian Bentonite on Physical Properties of Sandy Soils Under Semi-Arid Mediterranean Climate

Abstract

This research has for object to study the influence of clay addition, i.e., Maghnian bentonite, like deposit clay, in the physical properties of sandy materials from Mostaganem plateau (North-West Algeria) submitted to salinity and sodicity. The first result was to show that the clay content changes drastically the physical properties of clay-sand mixtures. Important differences were observed as a function of the sand particle size distribution. At given clay content, the saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (HCs) was lower when the sand size was small and spread. For the coarse sand the salinity was maintained, even for high clay contents, a significant hydraulic conductivity. One of the main characteristics of Maghnia clay is the presence of calcium carbonates in the natural material. In comparison to that of Mostaganem clay of other deposit, it appears less sensitive to sodicity. An important aspect is the initial state of the clay when used in addition to sands, i.e., disturbance, conditions of preparation of sand clay mixtures and presence of associated components such as carbonates. Maghnia clay appeared to be adapted to the improvement of sandy soils, not because its mineralogical characteristics, but for its natural cationic form and obviously the presence of calcite in it.

Attempting Rice Cultivation in Sandy Soil Improved with Compost and Bentonite under Drip Irrigation System

“…To overcome the previous sandy soil problems, some natural materials are added that improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Bentonite contains mostly a 2: 1 clay mineral montmorillonite, which is an individual from the smectite family (Benkhelifa et al, 2008). Bentonite has been suggested as a great material for enhancing sand soil worldwide (Satje and Nelson, 2009).…”

Effect of Microbial Inoculation and Bentonite Amendments on Growth, Enzyme activity and Yield of cowpea cultivated in sandy soil

“…Likewise, organic manures, composts and bentonite have been used in Egypt as natural soil conditioners which for reclaiming sandy soils. Bentonite is a rock containing mainly 2:1 clay mineral montmorillonite, a member of the semectite family which has been recognized in many countries as a good amendment to improve such infertile sandy soil Benkhelifa et al (2008). Czaban et al (2013) found that, the addition of bentonite at rates of 3,6 and 12kg/m 2 of soil significantly improved soil structure and increased the amounts of nitrogen and organic matter in sandy soils.…”

Effectiveness of Natural Soil Conditioners and Irrigation Regime On:1- Loamy Sand Soil Properties, Crops Production and Water Productivity

“…Bentonite -a rock containing mainly 2:1 clay mineral montmorillonite, a member of the smectite family -has been recognized in many countries as a very good amendment to improve the properties of such infertile sandy soils (BENKHELIFA et al, 2008), (SALETH et al, 2009, SATJE andNELSON, 2009) Cereal crops such as (wheat and maize) are very strategically important crops in Egypt because it's constituent and indispensable part of Egyptian food diet. Generally, there is a great gap between the consumption and production of such crops.…”