Synthesis and characterization of nano bentonite and its effect on some properties of sandy soils

Abstract

There is an emerging importance for improving the productivity of sandy soils, and enhancing the efficiency of feeding use, especially with the newly reclaimed soil in Egypt. The present study aims to assess the influence of bentonite and nano bentonite application on the physical and chemical properties of sandy soils. Nano-particles of bentonite were prepared by Sonochemical,and bentonite and nano bentonite were characterized by (XRD), (XRF), (AFM), surface area and (FTIR). Field and pot experiments were carried out for studying the impact of adding bentonite (T1)5 ton ha−1, (T2) 10 ton ha−1 and nano bentonite (T3) 250 kg ha-1, (T4)500 kg ha−1 on some sandy soil properties and its nutritional states; Total porosity (TP); Bulk density (Bd); available water (AW); water holding capacity (WHC) and availability of macronutrients. Data indicated that addition of bentonite and nano bentonite resulted in an increase of available water (AW) and water holding capacity (WHC), compared to the control in pot and field experiments (surface 0−20 cm). The increase in AW and WHC was highest at T4, and lowest at T1 treatment. Results showed that T4 treatments significantly increased the biological yield, grain yield and (100-grain weight, 1000-grain weight) of wheat, in comparison to all the treatments in both experiments. The best treatments of nano bentonite were ultimately T4, followed by T2 of raw bentonite, which gave the highest values of elements content (N, P and K) in the soil or grain and straw of wheat crop whether in pots or in field experiments.