Enhancing Soil Physical Quality with Diatomite Amendments

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity due to reduced water availability and increased temperatures. Developing innovative techniques to enhance soil water retention has emerged as a crucial strategy to mitigate these challenges. This study investigates the effects of diatomite addition type, particle size, and application rate on the physical quality of sandy soil, focusing specifically on water retention characteristics. The experiment involved three particle size fractions of diatomite mixed with additives (biochar, dolomite, and bentonite) at different rates. Soil water retention characteristics and differential porosity were evaluated. Results showed that diatomite application increased soil bulk density but improved water retention capabilities, especially when supplemented with additives. Bentonite addition with diatomite resulted in the highest available water capacity, while dolomite had minimal effect on water retention. Biochar supplementation significantly enhanced water retention characteristics, leading to higher field capacity and plant-available water capacity. The study revealed that the particle size of diatomite did not have a substantial effect on soil physical properties, except for its influence on available water capacity. Diatomite application did not lead to water repellency of soil. These findings highlight the potential of diatomite and additives to improve soil water retention, providing valuable insights for sustainable agriculture.