Purification and applying Di Linh bentonite, Lam Dong, Vietnam in improving the properties of coral sand soil in semi‑arid and saline islands
- Authors: Nguyen C.T.1, Vu D.N.1, Vo T.H.1, Dinh T.T.1, Le T.H.1, Vu M.T.2, Do V.T.3, Nguyen V.T.4
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Affiliations:
- Joint Vietnam - Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center
- Graduate University of Science and Technology
- Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
- Institute of Chemistry and Material
- Issue: Vol 17, No 4 (2025)
- Pages: 296-321
- Section: Agrochemistry and Agricultural Soil Science
- Published: 31.10.2025
- URL: https://journal-vniispk.ru/2658-6649/article/view/351969
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.12731/2658-6649-2025-17-4-1490
- ID: 351969
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Full Text
Abstract
Background. Vietnam's extensive coastline and numerous islands result in a large expanse of coral sand. This type of sand possesses distinct mechanical properties, including coarseness, low nutrient content, poor moisture and water retention, and high salinity. Globally, various methods are employed to improve sandy soils by modifying their physical, chemical, and nutritional properties to create favorable conditions for plant growth.
Purpose. The objective of this article is to evaluate the impact of bentonite on the surface structure of coral sand, with a focus on altering key factors such as density, bulk density, porosity, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and the field moisture-holding capacity of sand particles.
Materials and methods. Bentonite powder used in this study was produced by Hiep Phu Lam Dong Joint Stock Company from the Di Linh bentonite mine in Lam Dong, Vietnam.
In this study, We use physicochemical analysis methods such as: X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and some methods for determining the physicochemical properties of soils.
Results. In this study, raw bentonite from Di Linh, Lam Dong, supplied by Hiep Phu Lam Dong Joint Stock Company, was purified using the hydrocyclone method. The purified bentonite contains 69.0% montmorillonite and exhibits a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 54.98 meq/100g, making it an excellent material for ameliorating the limitations of coral sand. Research findings demonstrated that the addition of bentonite in varying proportions significantly enhanced the physical and chemical properties of coral sand. Key improvements included the increases in soil density (2.5–2.6 g/cm³) and bulk density (1.25 g/cm³), leading to a soil porosity of 50.02%. Furthermore, properties such as moisture retention and water-holding capacity were markedly improved due to the intrinsic characteristics of bentonite. At a supplementation rate of 3%, the cation exchange capacity (CEC) increased by over 83%, while electrical conductivity (EC) reached 470 µS/cm.
Conclusion. These enhancements are promising for improving the nutrient retention and exchange capacity of coral sand, thereby fostering better plant growth.
Keywords
About the authors
Cong Tinh Nguyen
Joint Vietnam - Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center
Author for correspondence.
Email: tinhdk2k48@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0004-6535-6101
Researcher, Master, Research Assistant, Department of Biotechnology
Viet Nam, 63, Nguyen Van Huyen Str., Nghia Do, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Duy Nhan Vu
Joint Vietnam - Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center
Email: vuduynhanvn@gmail.com
Senior Researcher, Doctor of Science, Head of Laboratory
Viet Nam, 63, Nguyen Van Huyen Str., Nghia Do, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Thi Hoai Thu Vo
Joint Vietnam - Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center
Email: thuvo3081@gmail.com
Researcher, Doctor of Science, Deputy Head of Laboratory
Russian Federation, 63, Nguyen Van Huyen Str., Nghia Do, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Thi Thu Trang Dinh
Joint Vietnam - Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center
Email: trangdt1806@gmail.com
Researcher, Master of Science, Research Assistant
Viet Nam, 63, Nguyen Van Huyen Str., Nghia Do, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Thi Hue Le
Joint Vietnam - Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center
Email: huelebiotech85@gmail.com
Researcher, Master of Science, Research Assistant
Viet Nam, 63, Nguyen Van Huyen Str., Nghia Do, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Minh Tien Vu
Graduate University of Science and Technology
Email: minhtienvu0@gmail.com
Biotechnology Engineer
Viet Nam, 18, Hoang Quoc Viet Str., Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Vinh Truong Do
Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
Email: dovinhtruong@ib.ac.vn
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-4976-5876
Researcher, Master of Science, Research Assistant, Institute of Chemistry and Material
Russian Federation, 18, Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Van Tu Nguyen
Institute of Chemistry and Material
Email: nguyenvantu882008@yahoo.com
Researcher, Master of Science, Research Assistant
Viet Nam, 17, Hoang Sam, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
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