Effect of Soft Rock Amendment on Soil Moisture and Water Storage in Mu Us Sandy Land

Abstract

Effect of soft rock as soil amendment on soil moisture and water storage was investigated in a field experiment in a sandy soil in Mu Us Sandy Land of China in 2012-2014. Treatments includes four rates of soft rock to sandy soil in volume (0:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:5) were applied only in the first year. Adding soft rock amendments increased soil moisture and soil water storage. The treatment with rate of 1:1 (soft rock to sandy soil in volume) had the greatest effect on soil moisture and water storage averaged over the three years. Soft rock amendments showed promise for improving soil moisture and water storage in Mu Us Sandy Land.