Add organic matter. Compost and well-rotted manure help sandy soil hold water and nutrients.
Mulching with dry grass or crop residues also reduces evaporation and keeps the soil cooler.
How can I improve poor soil on a small farm?
Science forumAgriculture
DADISI Agriculture Team
1 hour ago · 485 views
My shamba has sandy soil that dries out quickly and gives small yields. What practical, low-cost steps can I take?
Notes: /subjects/agriculture/topics/452-introduction-to-soil-science
Notes: /subjects/agriculture/topics/452-introduction-to-soil-science
13 replies
Do legumes help?
Yes. Beans, groundnuts and cowpeas fix nitrogen with the bacteria in their root nodules. Rotate them with maize.
How can I tell if my soil is too acidic?
Take a soil test or use a simple pH test. If pH is below about 5.5, farmers may add agricultural lime.
Does ploughing across the slope matter?
Yes. Ploughing along contours slows runoff and reduces soil erosion.
Which crops do well in sandy soil?
Cassava, sweet potatoes, groundnuts and millet tolerate sandy soils better than maize.
How do I work out how much fertiliser to buy?
Measure the area (length × width), find the recommended rate per hectare from the extension officer, and scale it. 1 hectare = 10 000 m².
A past-paper question on this topic: /papers/view/58
Log in or create a free account to reply. Log in