Soil amendment for gardens and horticulture

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Bentonite clay as a soil improver for gardens and horticulture

• Soils of the Swan coastal plain are poorly structured sandy soils with low levels of bentonite clay and organic matter.

• This contributes to the poor soil structure, low fertility, poor wettability, low water holding capacity and poor nutrient retention capacity.

• Sandy soils can be improved by the addition of bentonite and organic materials.

• Bentonite Products WA bentonite clays are available as granules, which can be easily supplied to new or established gardens and lawns.

• To improve the soil quality it may be necessary to add Watheroo bentonite, rates of 1-3 % which will have very beneficial effects on soil quality and plant growth and yield.

• For most soils it is necessary to treat only the top 20 cm, which is the root zone. 

• Incorporating organic matter like compost into the soil with the bentonite is also recommended. The combination of organic matter and calcium bentonite will assist the improved structure, chemistry and biological activity of the soil.