WATER AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN SANDY SOILS BY COMPACTION

Specific problems in the management of sandy soils of north-west India include their excessive permeability and their low water- and nutrient-holding capacities. Common soil features, constraints and productivity index of these sandy soils are discussed. Several studies indicated that subsoil compaction reduced water and nutrient losses and increased root-zone soil moisture retention in deep sandy soils. Such compaction saved irrigation water by 15-36% and increased soil productivity by 30-50%. The extent of nitrate losses and the favourable role of compaction in modifying soil hydraulic parameters, viz. moisture retention, infiltration and saturated hydraulic conductivity, which are important for improving their water and nutrient management, are discussed.