The potential use of a layered double hydroxide (magnesium aluminum nitrate (Mg-Al)-LDH) to suppress the leaching of nitrate from a calcareous sandy loam soil and to enhance the nitrogen utilization efficiency of maize was assessed. The results of column studies showed that nitrate leaching efficiently decreased by 24, 46, and 76% compared to control when 2.5, 5, and 10 g LDH kg–1 soil were applied, respectively. Nitrate leaching was also reduced by use of LDH in pot experiments. The hindrance effect of LDH in using ammonium nitrate was higher than urea. Application of 2.5, 5, and 10 g LDH kg–1 soil increased mean nitrogen uptake of maize by 14, 20, and 44% over the control. The studied LDH has a potential to be used as a nitrate-selective exchanger to reduce risks of nitrate leaching. However, the use of Mg-Al-LDH (4:1) can be limited because of its relatively high solubility in soil.

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