Bentonite Impact on Soil Properties and Biological Activity in the Face of Drought : A Review

Abstract

The clay mineral bentonite has received a lot of attention for its potential to reduce the harmful effects of drought on soil health and biological activity. Reduced enzymatic activity and microbial diversity are two negative outcomes of the drought’s impact on soil quality. Bentonite, however, has been shown to aid in the restoration of biological functions in drought-affected soils. Bentonite’s function as a soil moisture retainer is an important consideration. Bentonite acts as a reservoir, trapping water within its layers due to its high water-holding capacity and ability to form a gel-like structure. This capacity for water retention can reduce the negative impact of drought on soil organisms, making conditions better for enzyme activity and microbial life. Bentonite has also been shown to increase soil enzyme production and activity. Soil fertility and healthy ecosystems rely on the work of enzymes in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Reduced enzymatic activity is a common consequence of drought stress, which in turn reduces nutrient availability and worsens soil health. The application of bentonite, however, has been shown to increase enzyme production and activity even in drought conditions. This has the potential to improve soil health and productivity by preserving vital soil processes and encouraging nutrient cycling. In addition, bentonite can increase soil microorganism activity in dry areas. Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in the cycling of nutrients, the control of disease, and the health of the soil ecosystem as a whole. Reduced microbial diversity and activity have been linked to drought stress. However, research shows that applying bentonite to drought-affected soils increases both microbial growth and diversity. Increased nutrient availability, enhanced soil structure, and enhanced water infiltration and retention are all possible results of microbial stimulation. In conclusion, areas that have experienced drought can benefit from bentonite’s ability to improve soil enzymes and biological activity. Bentonite helps restore and maintain soil health even when water supplies are low. It does this by increasing water retention, encouraging enzyme production, and boosting microbial activity. To fully realize bentonite’s potential for fostering sustainable agriculture and sustaining healthy ecosystems, more study is required to determine the optimum application rates and methods.

The Impact of Clay Content and Potassium Levels on Several Growth Markers of Wheat

“…Potassium, an indispensable element, executes critical functions in numerous critical processes. It is continuously depleting as a result of the extended period of time since this substance was introduced to Iraqi soil [10,11]. [12] An adequate nutritional balance of NPK components is the result of the vital functions this food conducts in supporting plant growth and development.…”

The Impact of Spatial Variation on the Macronutrient Availability in the Soil of the Al-Rifai District, Dhi-Qar Province

“…Poverty and population growth are major factors for soil nutrient depletion, in addition to the pressure resulting from land conversion, deforestation, and cultivation of marginal areas on steep slopes [3]. Also, one of the main causes of soil nutrient depletion is the misuse and unequal use of fertilizers, the complete disinfection of crop residues from cultivated fields, and the burning of animal waste, which is considered an important source of organic matter while ignoring soil .The variation in agro-ecological zones and soil types is Land use is one of the causes of spatial variation in soil properties [4][5][6]. Following carbon, nitrogen is the most vital element for plants due to its status as a constituent of protein and chlorophyll, as well as its participation in numerous metabolic processes.…”

Effect of Bio and Organic Fertilization on the Growth and Yield of Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis Romanesco

“…The majority of the nitrogen present in the soil is in the form of organic nitrogen; the remainder is inorganic. Although organic nitrogen is mineralized, it is useless to the plant because it is converted to mineral nitrogen [6] In reverse denitrification, absorption, cleansing, and volatilization occur on the nitrates that were generated by a large group of microorganisms through mineralization in order to produce ammonium and nitrates [7] . In order to increase the efficacy of nitrogen fertilizer use, certain technologies have a tendency to employ slowdecomposing fertilizers or fertilizers containing microorganisms that impede the nitrification process during decomposition [8].…”