Advantageous effects of bentonite on growth performance and metabolic compounds of two mesophytic plants in desert sandy soils

Abstract Background The best use of sandy soil in hot arid and semi-arid lands for cultivation is the ability to improve its physical and chemical properties. Therefore, the application of eco-friendly and natural substances added to sandy soils has been proven to improve water retention and alleviate nutrient deficiencies, consequently enhancing agricultural outputs. The present study aimed to investigate the advantageous effects of applying natural substances, particularly bentonite (a Type of clay), to improve the quality of desert sandy soils, and attributes of two mesophytes (cultivated Zea mays and wild Senna occidentalis ) growing in three sandy soils were studied. Results The data obtained indicated that the morphological parameters, such as length and fresh weight of shoot and root in S. occidentalis and Z. mays plants, were positively affected by the soil texture, bentonite, and their interaction. In calcareous sandy soil, the water content of soil, shoot, and root tended to a maximum value with added a certain concentration of bentonite was added. With fine sands, the total chlorophyll content in both plants was markedly increased with the application of bentonite, which had a dominant role. The same role of bentonite was an effect on the different metabolic compounds, such as total soluble proteins, free amino acids, and total soluble sugars in the organs of the plants investigated. Fine sand exerted a high content of soluble proteins and soluble sugars, whereas the calcareous sandy soil accelerated the free amino acids in various plant organs. In general, bentonite had a major role in the osmo-metabolic compounds of both plant organs, as well as in the soluble proteins of Senna occidentalis root. Significant correlations existed between the water content of soil and plant organs with morphological and metabolic compounds. Conclusion This investigation studies the advantageous effects of bentonite to improve the quality of desert sandy soil and plant productivity. Bentonite had a positive effect on the growth and metabolites of Zea mays and Senna occidentalis growing in three sandy soils. Also, bentonite affects the chlorophyll and different metabolic compounds (total soluble proteins, free amino acids, and soluble sugars) in two plants.