High Ca:Mg ratio in soils leads to harmful dispersion, impacting agriculture.
Soil dispersion can harm soil and agriculture. Soil samples from southern Nigeria were studied to see how the ratio of calcium to magnesium affects dispersion. The soils were low in nutrients, had high dispersion rates, and were mostly loamy sand or sandy loam. Adding more magnesium increased clay content, while adding more calcium decreased clay content. High magnesium, silt, and clay cause soil dispersion. Monitoring soil dispersion is important to prevent negative effects. Adding fertilizer and lime can help manage dispersion by introducing more calcium and magnesium to the soil.