Increased Water Retention Capacity Research Articles

Resveratrol-loaded decellularized ovine pericardium: ECM introduced for tissue engineering.

An ideal scaffold for skin tissue engineering should have a suitable potential for antibacterial activity, no hemolysis, sufficient porosity for air exchange, water retention capacity, and a suitable swelling rate to maintain tissue moisture. Considering this issue, our study used decellularized ovine pericardial tissue's extracellular matrix (ECM). These scaffolds were decellularized with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium deoxycholate (SD) detergents along with vacuum methods. Following imaging with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), analysis of the mechanical properties, and the measurement of the amount of DNA, collagen, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG), our study observed that the three-dimensional (3D) structure of ECM was largely preserved. Resveratrol (RES) 400µg/µL was loaded into the above scaffold, and analysis revealed that scaffolds containing RES and with vacuum reported higher antibacterial properties, a higher swelling rate, and increased water retention capacity. The biocompatibility and hemocompatibility properties of the above scaffolds also reported a significant difference between methods of decellularization.

Physicochemical, Rheological, and Nutritional Quality of Artisanal Fermented Milk Beverages with Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) Pulp and Flour.

The use of fruits and their by-products in food has dramatically impacted the food industry due to the nutritional benefits and the technological and sensory effects of food matrices. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the effects of adding cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) pulp and flour on fermented milk beverages' physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties during refrigerated storage (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days). Twelve formulations were realized with different percentages of cupuassu pulp (0, 5, 7.5, and 10% w/v) and flour (0, 1.5, and 3% w/v). The treatments with 3% cupuassu flour presented the highest percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates, compared with the samples containing pulp. On the other hand, the addition of pulp increased water retention capacity and color parameters (L*, a*, b*, and C*) and decreased pH and syneresis on day 0 of storage. During storage, the samples with pulp showed increases in pH values, consistency index, and apparent viscosity. In comparison, cupuassu flour addition decreased syneresis values and increased L* and b* during storage, as did pulp. In addition, sample HPHF (10% pulp and 3% cupuassu flour), based on just-about-right, penalty, and check-all-that-apply analyses, improved some sensory attributes of the fermented milk beverage, such as brown color, acid taste, bitter taste, cupuassu flavor, and firm texture. It can be concluded that cupuassu pulp and flour addition improves the physicochemical and sensory quality of fermented milk beverages and can provide nutritional value to the product.

Effect of Bamboo biochar on strength and water retention properties of low plastic clay and silty sand

Biochar is a carbon-rich stable product derived from the thermochemical decomposition of biomass. The properties of biochar vary with types of feedstock, heating rate, pyrolysis temperature, etc. Consequently, the mechanical and hydrological properties of biochar amended soil (BAS) also differ with types of biochar and soils. However, the effect of bamboo biochar (BB) amendment on soil strength and water retention properties is missing in the previous literature. Bamboo biomass was pyrolysed at 600 °C to produce biochar. BB and soils (low plastic clay (CL) and silty sand (SM)) were mixed to prepare BAS. The samples were prepared by mixing BB in five ratios, i.e., 0%, 1%, 2%, 3.5% and 5% of dry soil weight. The biochar application has increased optimum moisture content, alkalinity (pH) and Atterberg limits, whereas, reduced maximum dry density and specific gravity of both the soils (CL and SM). The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of CL soil was noted to increase by 10.5% with 2% biochar content and decreased after that, whereas the UCS of SM soil was found to decrease continuously with the biochar content increment. Therefore, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) result showed that biochar application has contrary effects on both soils. The measured gravimetric water content (GWC) of BAS was increased with biochar increment in both soils. However, GWC increased more in CL than in SM soil at the same biochar content. The microstructural analysis showed that the biochar amendment filled the pore space of the soil matrix, resulting in an increase in UCS and GWC values. The increased water retention capacity and strength (UCS) of biochar amended CL soil provides evidence that it could be used as a landfill cover material.

Fresh properties of limestone-calcined clay-slag cement pastes

Formulation of quaternary blended system containing ordinary Portland cement or clinker, slag, limestone and calcined clay (LC2) appeared to be a viable approach to developing low-clinker cements without severely sacrificing mechanical performance at later ages. This paper investigates the effect of two material parameters, i.e., LC2-to-slag ratio and gypsum content, on fresh properties, hydration, and compressive strength of quaternary blended cement pastes (about 65 wt% of LC2 and slag in the binder). Results show that the increase in LC2 proportion decreased flowability and increased water retention capacity, yield stress, and plastic viscosity, as well as accelerated the evolution of stiffness with time (G′ growth). On the other hand, the addition of 2–4 wt% gypsum had little effect on most of the fresh properties. A new metric, the free water indicator, was proposed to describe the effect of free water content and the total specific surface area of binding materials. It correlated strongly with the growth of structural build-up metrics. Finally, adding gypsum delayed the aluminate peak and enhanced compressive strength only at 3 days, whereas increasing slag content reduced accumulated heat of hydration (7 days) but improved 28-day compressive strength. Therefore, adjusting LC2-to-slag ratio of the quaternary blended cement is a feasible way to meet requirements for fresh properties and compressive strength.

Water Retention Potential in Novel Terrestrial Ecosystems Restored on Post-Mine Sites: A Review

Many activities are conducted with the view of reducing CO2 emission from fossil fuels, but mining extraction will continue to be important for energy sources, mineral and metal ores, and the general economy. This activity has negative environmental consequences such as habitat loss, water scarcity, and soil degradation in novel ecosystems. Additionally, climate change, drought, and desertification accelerate important problems with water retention. From one point of view, identifying and conserving critical regions for ecological sustainability are issues of fundamental importance, but on the other hand, post-mine sites could provide additional carbon sinks and improve regional water retention (WR). This review paper analyses different studies focusing on the impact of the reclamation of mining sites on the water retention properties of soil. Water retention in reclaimed mining soil (RMS) increased considerably after various restoration efforts were implemented. The amount of water holding capacity in RMS was mostly affected by reclamation methods, soil properties, soil biota, restoration duration, and vegetation type. The major conclusions from the analysis were that (i) the bulk density of reclaimed mining soil ranges from 1.35 to 1.50 g/cm3 and decreases with restoration duration; (ii) Soil fauna increases soil water storage capacity and plant litter and earthworms convert litter to fecal pellets, which increases water field capacity; and (iii) water holding capacity increases with duration of reclaimed sites and type of plants, i.e., afforestation and tree communities have higher WR than younger grasslands. Therefore, identification of the suitable reclamation method, restoration duration, vegetation type, and soil fauna are important factors for increasing water retention capacity at a regional scale.

Biochar granulation, particle size, and vegetation effects on leachate water quality from a green roof substrate.

Biochar, due to its favourable physiochemical properties, has been promoted as an ideal substrate additive on green roofs, with potential benefits to hydrological function. However, biochar is susceptible to water erosion, which may result in biochar loss and water pollution. The use of granulated biochars or biochars in large particle sizes could potentially alleviate biochar erosion loss, but effects on leachate quality have not been investigated. Also, biochar type and particle size influence plant performance, and effects on discharge quality may vary with vegetation. We assessed the effects of unprocessed and granulated biochars at five (0.25-0.5mm, 0.5-1mm, 1-2mm, 2-2.8mm, 2.8-4mm) and four (1-2mm, 2-2.8mm, 2.8-4mm, and 4-6.3mm) particle size ranges, respectively, on leachate quality on a typical green roof substrate, with presence and absence of vegetation (Agastache foeniculum - a drought-tolerant native forb). We evaluated integrated leachate quality using the CCME Water Quality Index (WQI). Unprocessed biochars reduced nutrient leaching due to increased water retention capacity (WRC) and total porosity. In contrast, granulated biochars, although showing less pronounced mitigation of nutrient leaching, reduced total suspended solids (TSS) and improved WQI in leachate due to enhanced plant performance. In addition, small biochar particles better reduced nutrient leaching and particle loss than large biochar particles, possibly due to increased WRC and formation of water-stable aggregates. The presence of vegetation generally reduced the leaching of nutrients and TSS, consistent with plant nutrient uptake and root substrate stabilization. However, plant biomass was correlated with increased total N leaching, likely due to litter inputs and rapid litter decomposition. We conclude that applications of granulated biochars may best improve discharge quality from green roofs through sorption effects and by enhancing plant performance.

An experimental study on mechanical and durable properties of self-curing concrete by using Ferro silica slag aggregate

Construction industry concrete used heavily. The building industry relies heavily on coarse aggregate (C.A.). Due to the lack of C.A., artificial aggregate known as Ferro silica slag (F.S.S.) is the predominant alternative material. The Use of F.S.S. increases concrete strength and lowers construction costs. The strength of concrete is determined by how long it is allowed to cure. Because of improper curing, the hydration of cement problem can be solved by employing a self-curing mechanism. It’s possible to use paraffin wax Light and Heavy in Concrete have a variety of beneficial effects on S.C.C.’s fresh and hardened concrete qualities. The immersing curing agent is a material that retains Water and reduces evaporation; the self-curing admixture incorporates concrete after the standard setting of concrete on account of increased water retention capacity and compares to internally cured concrete. It gives inside assuaging, known explicitly as “self-curing concrete,” in short, less or no external curing is required in another way if outside mitigating may cause better warmth of hydration. Light molecular weight and high molecular weight are two examples of self-curing liquids that can boost the strength and serviceability of concrete. In this investigation, the percentage of paraffin wax in M25 grade concrete was altered from 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0% and compared to internally cured concrete(I). The replacement of coarse aggregate with the optimum amount of F.S.S. Paraffin is then added to concrete in a liquid form, resulting in varied dosages. Based on the literature, the optimum percentage of F.S.S. 40% with paraffin wax light and heavy 1.0% improvement of compression and flexure strength of concrete. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (U.P.V.) and Rapid chloride penetration tests (RCPT) were used to determine dense microstructure and enhanced durability of concrete.

Increasing water retention capacity via Grey roof to green roof transformation

AbstractThis study evaluated the potential of transforming nonvegetated (grey) roofs into vegetated (green) roofs to increase their water retention capacity and the retention of surface runoff in Taipei City. Of the total area of Taipei City (26 855 ha), we found that 304.5 ha of grey roof could be converted to green roof. Residential areas with higher living standards had a greater potential for grey roof to green roof transformation. The sampled substrate had an average porosity of 59.2% and a bulk density of 1.00 g/cm3. Surface runoff is likely to occur when the level of precipitation exceeds the field capacity of the green roof (13.3 mm/day). The highest percentage of runoff reduction (59.0%) occurred in the cold season. During the rainy months, the runoff reduction ranged from 14% to 28%. The water retention capacity of the green roof was higher during low‐intensity rainfall events than during high‐intensity rainfall events.

The Beneficial Effects of Cyanobacterial Co-Culture on Plant Growth.

Cyanobacteria are ubiquitous phototrophic prokaryotes that find a wide range of applications in industry due to their broad product spectrum. In this context, the application of cyanobacteria as biofertilizers and thus as an alternative to artificial fertilizers has emerged in recent decades. The benefit is mostly based on the ability of cyanobacteria to fix elemental nitrogen and make it available to the plants in a usable form. However, the positive effects of co-cultivating plants with cyanobacteria are not limited to the provision of nitrogen. Cyanobacteria produce numerous secondary metabolites that can be useful for plants, for example, they can have growth-promoting effects or increase resistance to plant diseases. The effects of biotic and abiotic stress can as well be reduced by many secondary metabolites. Furthermore, the biofilms formed by the cyanobacteria can lead to improved soil conditions, such as increased water retention capacity. To exchange the substances mentioned, cyanobacteria form symbioses with plants, whereby the strength of the symbiosis depends on both partners, and not every plant can form symbiosis with every cyanobacterium. Not only the plants in symbiosis benefit from the cyanobacteria, but also vice versa. This review summarizes the beneficial effects of cyanobacterial co-cultivation on plants, highlighting the substances exchanged and the strength of cyanobacterial symbioses with plants. A detailed explanation of the mechanism of nitrogen fixation in cyanobacterial heterocysts is given. Finally, a summary of possible applications of co-cultivation in the (agrar-)industry is given.

Effects of technosols based on organic amendments addition for the recovery of the functionality of degraded quarry soils under semiarid Mediterranean climate: A field study

This study aims to evaluate the effects of technosols made with different organic amendments to restore degraded soils in a semiarid limestone quarry. The effects on soil quality, functionality and organic matter dynamics of the technosols amended with waste of gardening, greenhouse horticultural, stabilized sewage sludge and two mixtures of sludge with both vegetable composts were assessed. Several physical and chemical properties, humus fractions, soil respiration and molecular composition was performed after 6 and 18 months. Un-amended soils, and nearby natural undegraded soils served as reference. Amended technosols increased water retention capacity, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon and nitrogen, respect to not amended and natural soils. Humus fraction composition was not altered over time. Un-amended soils, very poor in organic matter, did not show any pyrolyzable compounds or labile soil organic matter by thermogravimetry. In contrast, the pyrochromatograms of natural soils showed lignocellulosic materials, polypeptides and a noticeable presence of alkylic compounds. In technosols with both types vegetable compost, the organic matter structure was more complex, showing compounds from lignin-derived and long-chain alkyl, polysaccharides, chlorophyll isoprenoids and nitrogen. In sludge technosol, a set of sterols was outstanding. The mixtures showed a molecular fingerprint of materials derived from the decomposition of the organic amendments that formed them. These signs of the contribution of different organic matter forms derived from the amendments were also reported by the series exothermic peaks found in the calorimetry. This short-term study indicates a clear effect of the amendments on the recovery of soil organic matter and presumably of its functionality. After the amendments application, microbial activity and soil respiration rates increased rapidly but ceased 18 months later. The molecular composition of the organic matter of the soils amended with plant compost was very similar to that of natural, non-degraded soils in nearby areas.

Effect of boiling on nutritional, antioxidant and physicochemical properties of edible plants (Malva parviflora and Myrtillocactus geometrizans)

The aim of the present research was to determine the effect of boiling on nutritional composition, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, physicochemical and morphological characteristics of two edible plants Malva parviflora (mallow leaf) and Myrtillocactus geometrizans (garambullo flower). The plants had an important nutritional composition as carbohydrates (48-70 %), dietary fiber (36-42 %) and protein (13 %), as well as total phenolic compounds (468-750 mg GAE/100 g db) with a high antioxidant capacity. However, boiling originated the decrease of soluble compounds, carbohydrates, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and physicochemical properties. Plants changed to dark colors and physicochemical properties were affected, except to water retention capacity, oil retention capacity and viscosity, which had the same values in mallow leaves (raw and boiled), but increased water retention capacity in garambullo flowers, it may be by changes in the morphology observed. Therefore, is to suggest the raw consumption or with minimal cooking of these plants to avoid changes caused by thermal treatment.

Modification of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) residues soluble dietary fiber following twin-screw extrusion

Effect of twin-screw extrusion on soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from sweet potato residues (SPRs) were investigated using optimized conditions, at screw speed of 180 rpm, feed rate at 17 Hz, feed moisture at 40% and extrusion temperature at 150 °C. Extruded SDF, showed higher SDF levels (9.63%–29.25%), cholesterol and sodiumcholate adsorption capacity, radical scavenging capacity, and inhibition of digestive enzymes. Moreover, extrusion effectively reduced particle size and molecularweight of SDF, modulated monosaccharide ratios, and increased water retention capacity (WRC), oil retention capacity (ORC), swelling capacity (SC) and glucose absorption capacity (GAC). Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated decomposition of macromolecules of SDF to smaller fractions and formation of a porous morphology following extrusion. Furthermore, the extruded SDF increased thermal stability as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Overall, the SDF from SPRs with improved functional and physiochemical properties could be used as a functional additive in diverse food products.

Electrostatic hydrogels formed by gelatin and carrageenan induced by acidification: Rheological and structural characterization

Abstract The rheological, chemical and structural characteristics of electrostatic hydrogels formed by gelatin and carrageenan (Gel:Car) were studied in this work. Hydrogels were formed at 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 2:1, 4:1 and 8:1 protein:polysaccharide ratios. The influence of the ratio between the biopolymers on the rheological characteristics of hydrogels was evaluated. The hydrogels were characterized by large and small deformation, water holding capacity and microstructural analysis. All hydrogels showed viscoelastic characteristics, and the Burger model was appropriate to explain the viscoelastic behavior of hydrogels formed. The hydrogel that presented the best viscoelastic and mechanical characteristics was the 1:2 Gel:Car showing that good amount of carrageenan associated with slow acidification results the formation of more junction zones due to complementary interactions between the gelatin triple helix and the carrageenan double helix. When carrageenan (1:4 and 1:8) or gelatin (2:1, 4:1 and 8:1) was in excess there was a suppression of the gelatin structure modification significantly reducing the density of the junction zones negatively impacting the flexibility and hardness of these hydrogels. All samples showed a good water holding capacity, retaining between 80 % and 90 % of water in the interior, making these hydrogels an attractive material for food applications because they can improve food texture, increasing water retention capacity, which will produce greater durability of food. However, its structure and its mechanism of formation can also be explored in protecting active molecules in its structure or in the manufacture of new hydrogels through the slow acidification, such as in yogurt manufacturing.

Biochar Amendment Enhances Water Retention in a Tropical Sandy Soil

The use of biochar, which is the solid product of biomass pyrolysis, in agricultural soils, has been shown as a strategic solution for building soil carbon stocks and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, biochar amendment might also benefit other key soil processes and services, such as those that are related to water retention, particularly in sandy soils. Here, we conducted an experiment to investigate the potential of biochar to enhance pore size distribution and water retention properties in a tropical sandy soil. Three biochar rates were incorporated (equivalent to 6.25, 12.5, and 25 Mg ha−1) into plastic pots containing a sandy Oxisol sampled from a sugarcane field in Brazil. Undisturbed samples of the mixture were collected at two evaluation times (50 and 150 days) and used to determine water retention curves and other soil physical properties. The results showed that biochar amendment decreased soil bulk density and increased water retention capacity, micropore volume, and available water content. Higher soil water retention in amended soil is associated with the inherent characteristics of biochar (e.g., internal porosity) and potential improvements in soil structure. Microporosity and water retention were enhanced with intermediate biochar rate (12.5 Mg ha−1), instead of the highest rate (25 Mg ha−1) tested. Further studies are needed to validate these results under field conditions.

Permaculture: A Key Driver for Sustainable Agriculture in Nepal

Our study primarily focused on permaculture for sustained agriculture. Permaculture can be a best alternative for modern industrial and commercial based agriculture which has given a good yield at present but, it is deteriorating soil quality and other environmental aspects. More ever it can lead to a global threat in the future due to overuse and somewhere due to unutilized resources which may give rise to the food and economic insecurity. By compiling the different literatures, we reviewed that permaculture enriches soil quality by increasing organic matter in soil thus increasing water retention capacity, infiltration, nutrient availability, microbial activities and decreasing the erosion. Thus, it increases physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. It provides food and economic safety by providing diverse crops, increasing yield and income of farm andproviding least cost inputs with increasing output. It is an efficient in terms of resource use as it utilizes renewable resources and makes connections like a web among resources. This review can be useful information for students, research topic for permaculturists for making it smoother and other environmental enthusiast.
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(2): 167-173
  

Biodegradable hydrogels of tragacanth gum polysaccharide to improve water retention capacity of soil and environment-friendly controlled release of agrochemicals.

This work reports the synthesis of lipase enzyme catalyzed biodegradable hydrogel interpenetrating polymer network (hydrogel-IPN) of natural gum polysaccharide i.e. gum tragacanth (GT) with acrylamide (AAm) and methacrylic acid (MAA) and their potential application in the delivery of agrochemicals. Biodegradation experiments were performed using composting and soil burial methods of biodegradation. Complete degradation of synthesized hydrogel-IPN occurred within 77 days using composting method, while using soil burial method 81.26% degradation occurred after 77 days. Furthermore, effect hydrogel-IPN degradation on the fertility of soil was also studied through macro-analysis of soil. Water retention capacity of clay soil and sandy loam soil was improved after mixing swelled sample of hydrogel-IPN with these soil samples. The potential of hydrogel-IPN was also tested for sustained and slow release of two agrochemicals i.e. urea and calcium nitrate. Kinetics of agrochemicals release revealed that the release rate of both the fertilizers was initially higher which kept on decreasing with time. Diffusion mechanism of agrochemicals followed Case-II diffusion type behavior. Therefore, synthesized hydrogel-IPN is important from agriculture view point and can be used for sustained and controlled release of agrochemicals.

Model Development for Computing Cracking in Soil Reinforced with Fibers from Three Different Bioresources

Abstract The study explores the effects of three different lignocellulose fiber-reinforced (jute, coir, and water hyacinth [WH]) soils on the desiccation potential of compacted clayey silt soil. A new model was developed using artificial neural networks (ANN) for estimating cracking in soil reinforced with different fibers as a function of suction and water content. The program for ANN was developed in house using C++. Before model development, suction and water content were simultaneously monitored for 105 days along with the crack intensity factor (CIF). After model development, relative significance of each parameter (suction and water content) on the corresponding CIF was estimated. Adding lignocellulose fibers significantly increased the water retention capacity in the soil and reduced the CIF significantly as compared to unreinforced soil (almost half the amount). Obtained ANN models were efficient in predicting the CIF. The CIF is inversely proportional to water content and directly proportional to suction. The CIF value in bare soil, jute, and WH composites primarily depends on suction. Because of the increased water retention capacity of coir, the value of CIF depends equally on both suction and water content values. The log normal distribution of CIF was found in soil–jute composites.

Hydrophysical Properties of the High-Ash Lowmoor Peat Soils

The water retention curve (WRC), density, botanical composition, and ash contents were determined for high-ash lowmoor peat soils (Rheic Sapric Histosols) developing on the floodplain of the Yakhroma River (Moscow oblast) from the herb–hypnum and hypnum peat enriched in carbonates, agromineral peat soils (Rheic Drainic Sapric Histosols (Mineralic)), and peat soils developed from woody peat underlain by herb, sedge, and woody peat layers (Rheic Sapric Histosols (Lignic)). The WRC was determined by capillarimetric method in the range of water pressure from 0 to 80–90 кPa. For the studied peat soils, the WRC represents a close to linear dependence of the water content on the water pressure in semilogarithmic scale. In contrast to mineral soils, a characteristic point of the air-entry pressure is virtually absent on the WRC of peat soils. The WRC of peat largely depended on their density: denser peat samples were characterized by a higher water content at the same water pressure, which attests to the increased water retention capacity. An increase in the degree of decomposition of peat and its ash content also leads to the rise in the water retention capacity, but the effect of these factors is considerably smaller than the effect of peat density.

Comparing the potentials of clay and biochar in improving water retention and mechanical resilience of sandy soil

Abstract Changing climate is threatening rainfall regularity particularly in the semi-arid and arid regions; therefore, strategies to conserve water within their coarse-grained soils and to improve water use efficiency of crops are critical. This study compared the effectiveness of biochar and two types of clay materials in augmenting water retention and improving mechanical resilience of fine sand. The amendment of fine sand with woodchip-biochar and kaolinite (non-swelling clay) and Na-bentonite (swelling clay) improved the water retention capacity and interparticle bonding of the substrate depending of the rate of amendment and water content of the substrates. Na-bentonite was more effective at increasing water retention capacity at more negative matric potentials. Biochar was more effective at saturation due to the increased porosity, while kaolinite responds similarly to biochar. It is, however, shown that most of the water retained by the Na-betonite may not be available to plants, particularly at high amendment rate. Furthermore, the clay and biochar materials improved particle bonding in the fine sand with the Na-bentonite being more effective than biochar and kaolinite (in that order) in strengthening interparticle bonds and improving the resilience of fine sand, if the rate of amendment is kept at ≤50 g kg-1.

Relações hídricas em hastes florais de copo-de-leite colhidas em diferentes estádios de abertura

Cut flowers are a well established product and require conservation techniques that help keep postharvest quality for marketing. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate different opening stages of calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) cut stems and their influence on posthaverst. Calla lily stems were harvested in the morning, according to the following opening stages: closed spathe, semi-closed spathe (1/3 open), semi-open spathe (2/3 open) and fully open spathe. Once selected and standardized, stems were placed in a controlled room at 21 ± 2 °C and relative humidity of 75 ± 5%, for eight days. The evaluations were conducted daily, observing water pH, commercial quality analysis, width and length of the spathe, fresh weight of stem, water absorption and transpiration. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments (opening stages), five replicates and two stems by plot. The model used was split plot in time, with harvest stages as plots, and evaluation days as subplots. Calla lily harvested at closed spathe and semi-closed spathe (1/3 open), showed spathe opening, although it did not achieve fully spathe expansion, had higher water uptake and hydration of flower stems, and increased water retention capacity by floral tissues until saturation, followed by a period of weight reduction caused by transpiration rates greater than absorption.