*3.5. Influence of Soil Texture on Crop Yield*

We analyzed the effect of soil texture on crop yield under the current climatic conditions (1976–2005). Simulated results of crop yield (maize soya beans, dry beans, and sunflower) were higher in sandy loam and sandy clay loam, compared to loam sand, which is ascribed to high water retention in sandy loam and sandy clay loam soil. The grain yield in sandy loam and sandy clay loam was 5.6 t/ha and 4.5 t/ha respectively, as presented in Figure 6. Similarly, a study by Jalota et al. [46] found an increased grain yield of maize and wheat in sandy loam soil which the study attributed to the high water holding capacity of the soil. In our current study, it is evident that soil with low water retention capacity will have larger percolation loss which would increase the amount of water required for crop production. Adapting to this issue will require farmers to irrigate more often, particularly during periods of limited rainfall. However, this situation can be rectified through the application of organic matter to increase the density of the soil as suggested by Jalota et al. [46].
