Sandy soil drains water quickly, so it cannot hold on to nutrients, which makes it a major obstacle to crop production. With proper care and suitable crops, however, good yields are possible even in sandy soil. Carrots, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, watermelons, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes and sweetcorn can all be grown in it.

Carrots need well-drained soil with good aeration so that the roots can penetrate easily, allowing the carrots to grow long and straight. Full sun and regular watering are essential for good-quality carrots.

Radishes need loose, well-drained soil for healthy root development, and sandy soil suits them. It drains quickly, which prevents root rot. Radishes need full sun and regular watering.

Sweet potatoes also prefer loose, well-drained soil. Sandy soil lets air reach the roots and gives them room to develop well. Sweet potatoes need full sun and regular watering.

Watermelons need good drainage and loose soil for deep root growth. Sandy soil warms up quickly, allowing early planting and harvesting. Full sun and regular watering are essential for watermelons.

Cucumber plants need well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Sandy soil gives the roots good aeration, which ensures growth. Cucumbers also need full sun and regular watering.

Tomatoes need well-drained soil with good aeration. Because sandy soil warms quickly, it allows early planting and harvesting. Tomatoes need full sun and regular watering.

Sandy soil suits sweetcorn, because as well as providing drainage it helps prevent diseases and pest attacks. Sweetcorn needs steady moisture and regular fertiliser.

Groundnuts need loose, well-drained soil for healthy root development. This soil drains quickly, which prevents root rot. Groundnuts need full sun and regular watering.

Written by Iqbal Hossain Shimul, with information from Krishi Tips.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.