1. Applying Clayey Soil: Sandy soil can be converted to loamy soil by adding a large amount of organic fertilizers like cow dung, green manure, and compost. Another method is to mix sufficient amounts of clayey soil with sandy soil. By repeatedly running a roller machine over the land surface, the sandy soil gets compacted, and water from the lower levels rises. This process gradually transforms the sandy soil into loamy soil. The quality of sandy soil can also be improved by providing ample irrigation, creating bunds, and storing water. Retaining silt carried by water during rainfall in a well-maintained water field helps the sandy soil gradually become loamy.
2. Using Green Manure: Green manure is organic material created when leguminous plants are grown to a certain stage, then buried while green and fresh to decompose under the soil. This practice provides organic matter to the soil and increases the nitrogen content through bacterial nodules formed in the roots of these plants. Common green manure plants include cowpea, hemp, barbati, ipil-ipil, mung bean, kalai, arhar, kesari, soybean, and alfalfa. Azolla is another example, providing both nitrogen and organic matter. Using green manure improves soil texture and the physicochemical and biological quality of the soil, aiding in the conversion of sandy soil to loamy soil.
3. Applying Compost: Compost is produced by decomposing plant and animal remains in a controlled manner. Sources of compost include household waste, plant parts, industrial waste, and more. Common compost materials are house sweepings, dry leaves, weeds, cow dung, farm stubble, paddy straw, vegetable peels, fruit peels, fish remains, and animal blood. Applying composted waste improves soil texture, helping to transform sandy soil into loamy soil.
4. Using Farm Manure: Farm manure is produced by decomposing the excreta and bedding of domestic animals like cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and poultry. This manure typically consists of three main components: animal excreta, bedding straw, and urine. Cow dung is the most widely used farm manure. Since animal urine contains more nutrients than feces, it’s important to absorb it with straw or wood powder on the cowshed floor. This mixture, when applied to soil, enhances soil texture by increasing organic matter content, converting sandy soil into more fertile, loamy soil.
Besides the primary types of organic fertilizers—green manure, compost, and farmyard manure—other sources such as human excreta, bird droppings, hair, bone meal, ash, tannery waste, paper and sugar mill waste, slaughterhouse waste, and dried animal blood can also be directly composted and used to improve soil quality.
5. Using Vermicompost: Vermicompost is a high-quality organic fertilizer produced by feeding animal and plant waste to earthworms. The manure, which is earthworm excrement, is rich in bacteria, organic matter, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Earthworms play a significant role in improving soil texture and fertility. Their burrowing activity enhances soil structure and texture, increasing air and water movement. Earthworm manure, or vermicast, is rich in nutrients that are readily absorbed by plants.
*Method of Making Vermicompost:
– Store the dung of three to four cows in a heap for 2-3 days in a specific place, turning it occasionally to release gas.
– Place two cement slabs on top of each other in a shaded area, lined with polythene to prevent air entry.
– Add 3-4 baskets of dung inside the ring, leaving a hollow space in the middle with a stick to allow gas escape.
– Introduce about 300 earthworms into the ring and cover them with more dung.
– Seal the ring’s opening with polythene to keep it airtight.
– The earthworms will consume the dung and excrete vermicast, which serves as excellent organic fertilizer.
By employing these methods, sandy soil can be effectively transformed into loamy soil, enhancing its fertility and suitability for various crops.