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Effects of clay and organic matter amendments on water and nutrient retention of sandy soils
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Ogunniyi, Jumoke Esther (2017) Effects of clay and organic matter amendments on water and nutrient retention of sandy soils. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.
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WRAP_Theses_Ogunniyi_2017.pdf - Submitted Version - Requires a PDF viewer. Download (26Mb) | Preview |
Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b3162948~S15
Abstract
Sandy soils are one of the most widely distributed soils in the world. However, crop production on these soils can be problematic especially in terms of water and nutrient retention. In the face of climate change and a projected reduction in water availability, food production is likely to be particularly affected. The aim of this research is to examine if amending soils with clay and organic matter can improve their water and
nutrient retention.
The research approach employed laboratory column leaching experiments, rainfall simulation, Computed Tomography (CT) scanning and field trials to investigate the potential of two types of clay, Kaolin (K) and Bentonite (B), and peat (Pt), as well different combinations of clay and peat, to act as effective soil amendments. The influence of amendment materials was assessed by examining water retention, nutrient retention, soil organic carbon and changes in soil properties. Laboratory analysis was supported by field trials to examine the productivity of spring wheat.
The results showed that the amendment materials increased soil water retention and availability, reduced water infiltration, increased nutrient uptake, increased spring wheat growth and yield, and improved soil carbon storage compared to an unamended control.
The findings provide a further understanding of how the addition of clay and OM can affect ecological function of sandy soils and elucidate the mechanisms involved in controlling water retention and availability, as well as nutrient retention in the amended soils.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||
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Subjects: | S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General) | ||||
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Sandy soils, Soil amendments, Kaolin, Bentonite, Peat | ||||
Official Date: | September 2017 | ||||
Dates: |
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Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | School of Life Sciences | ||||
Thesis Type: | PhD | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | Rickson, R. J. (R. Jane) | ||||
Extent: | xix, 261 leaves : illustrations, charts | ||||
Language: | eng |
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