Effect of Lignin and RLDPE Soil Amendments on Water Holding Capacities of Desert

Abstract

The influence of recycled low density polyethylene (RLDPE) with different sizes and lignin soil amendments on dry bulk density (BD), water holding capacities (WHC) including saturated soil moisture content (SSMC), and moisture content at wilting point (MCWP) of desert was investigated. Results obtained show that BD decreased with the lignin and RLDPE added in desert. Lignin could significantly improve SSMC of desert soil. SSMC increased with the addition of RLDPE when the weight of RLDPE was less than 20 wt%, while its content was more than 20%, SSMC appeared a sharp decline. As for MCWP (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%), it showed that the lignin presented dramatically positive effect, while RLDPE with different sizes presented slightly negative effect. Smaller particle sizes of RLDPE showed apparently the impact on soil properties in comparison with larger ones. It is hopeful that both lignin and RLDPE may be potential soil amendments for improving WHC of desert.