Synthetic Soil Conditioners Research Articles

PENGARUH PEMBENAH TANAH HAYATI TERHADAP SIFAT KIMIA ENTISOL TERGENANG DAN TIDAK TERGENANG

Farmers began to implement organic systems when the quality of rice fields decreased. Indonesia has several active volcanoes so that the agricultural land was formed by generally Entisols. Several natural and synthetic soil conditioners were starting to be used to decompose the litter and increase the availability of Entisol nutrients. The research aimed to study the effect of providing biological soil amendments on the chemical properties of Entisols. The demonstration plots scale research were used a completely randomized design with a combination of treatments: (P1) Flooded dolomite control, (P2) Non-flooded dolomite control, (P3) Flooded bio soil-neutralizer, and (P4) Non-flooded bio soil-neutralizer. Parameters of soil chemical properties observed were pH, C-organic (%), N-total (%), P2O5-total (%), K2O-total (%), CEC (c mol + kg-1), total bacteria (CFU mL-1), and total fungi (spores g-1). The chemical properties of Entisols before treatment showed slightly acidic pH, low C-organic, low N-total, low K-total, low P-total, and very high CEC. After applying the soil neutralizer, there were an increase in chemical properties including pH becoming alkaline and neutral, medium C-organic, standards to moderat NPK-total, and high CEC. Flooding treatment did not increase the chemical properties of the Entisols.

EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND SYNTHETIC SOIL CONDITIONERS WITH DIFFERENT NITROGEN LEVELS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF WHEAT IN SANDY SOIL

The main problems of sandy soil are its inability to hold on to nutrients, its fast drainage, its lack of soil structure and its small buffering capacity. It cannot hold on to nutrients because it has little or no clay and organic matter. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of the combined application of some synthetic soil conditioners with two forms of humic acids (HA) as organic soil conditioners in reducing nitrogen fertilizer requirements to maximize wheat yield productivity. So, two experiments were designed in a split-split plot design with three replicates at the Experimental Station Farm in El-Ismailia governorate during the two successive winter seasons using wheat plant (Triticum Sativacv Giza 168). The treatments included two forms of organic acids and synthetic soil conditioners in the presence of three levels of nitrogen fertilizer. The common agricultural practices for growing wheat according to the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture were followed. Obtained results revealed that the application of humic acids type either HK or HCa in combination with PVA or bitumen emulsion under different application rates of nitrogen fertilizers enhanced wheat plant productivity (yield, straw, and grains kg/fed) along with uptake macronutrient as compared to control treatment. The superior one was HCa in combination with PVA and B in presence of 75% N application in the first and second season, respectively. Moreover, soil fertility was improved by adding soil conditioners in different forms with/without nitrogen fertilizers as compared to the control treatment i.e. EC values, OM, and available NPK were significantly increased in all treatments applied; the maximum increase was observed with HCa combination with B at 75% from nitrogen dose. Also, the same trend was observed with dry stable aggregates and total porosity of sandy soil for an average of two seasons. An opposite trend was observed with bulk density whose values generally decreased with all treatments. In conclusion, can be clarified that the application of humic materials either HK or HCa was increasing soil fertility which is reflected in wheat plant productivity but it was more efficient when in combination with synthetic polymers especially B, and can save about 25% from nitrogen fertilizer applied.

Water retention in sandy substrates modified by cross‐linked polymeric microgels and their complexes with a linear cationic polymer

AbstractNew synthetic soil conditioners for anti‐erosion protection of soils in the form of microgel copolymers of N‐isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid (PAA#) and their interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPEC#) with different surface charges are tested for optimization of water retention and porous structure in two samples of soil substrates. Water retention curves (WRCs) are used as a fundamental thermodynamic indicator of water holding capacity in soil substrates treated by new polymeric materials. Soil‐hydrological constants, as well as specific surface parameters and pore distribution curves are calculated from the WRCs using the van Genuhten model and the Voronin method in the author's modification. PAA# and anionic IPEC# with high swelling degree at a dose of 1% (by weight) increase field water capacity, available soil water range and specific surface area by 5–6 times for quartz sand, along with reorganizing its structure towards micropore dominance. For loamy sand, the same treatment was less effective with a twofold increase in field moisture capacity, double or triple increase of specific surface area, and an almost constant range of available soil water due to the strong increase of wilting point parameter. Weakly swelling linear polyacrylic acid and cationic IPEC# did not significantly affect properties of both mineral substrates.

Effect of Water Regimes and Polyvinyl Alcohol on Faba Bean Yield, Chemical Composition and Water Use Efficiency

Quantifying local crop response to irrigation is important for establishing proper irrigation management approaches.To apply that, a field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of three available soil moisture depletion(ASMD) levels, 25 %, 50 %, and 75% applied using solid set sprinkler irrigation system in combination with four concentrations (0.00%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2 %)of poly vinyl alcohol soil conditioner. The combined effect of water regimes and different concentrations of soil conditioner was studied on faba bean (Vicia faba cvGiza 843), The experiment was carried out in the semiarid climate of northeast Farm of El-Ismailia Agricultural Research Station, El-Ismailia Governorate Egypt during two successive seasons(2012/2013 and 2013/2014).Evapotranspiration (ETa), yield productivity of faba bean, water use efficiency and macronutrients uptake were also evaluated. Results showed that the actual seasonal crop evapotranspiration (ETa) for ASMD treatments varied between (1605.36 –2482.45m3 fed-1.) in the first season (2012/2013) and (1439.26 – 2457.01m3 fed-1.) in the second season (2013/2014). There are three options to calculate seasonal ETc for faba bean crop in Ismailia condition. So, it can be use FAO-24RD, PMd or Droogers and Allen (2002)methods. Moreover,obtained data reveal that application of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)synthetic soil conditioners (with high concentration), decreased available soil moisture depletion (ASMD) in sandy soil and caused a significant increase in faba bean yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and improved the macronutrient uptake by faba bean yield. Finally, the results clearly showed that the significant effect of PVA at (0.1or 0.2 %) concentration was most observed at 50% ASMD.

Natural Carrageenan/Psyllium Composite Hydrogels Embedded Montmorillonite and Investigation of Their Use in Agricultural Water Management

The carrageenan/psyllium composite hydrogels with embedded montmorillonite have been successfully prepared for the synthesis of a new hydrogel material that is natural, biodegradable and to be used as an absorbent in agriculture. Hydrogels with different composition ratios were found to have the water absorption capacities attaining 2893% and 775%, for free and under load conditions, respectively. The one-way compressional test results have yielded the module values reaching to 226 kPa and showed that they increase with the carrageenan and montmorillonite contents. The hydrogels exhibited different morphological structure depending on the composition ratios. On the other hand, the contribution of the gels to the water absorption and the water retention properties of the soil was investigated by applying various tests to the soil samples mixed with hydrogels. The results showed that including the hydrogels into soil at a ratio of 0.4% increased the water holding capacity of soil from 0.533 to 0.836 g/g and raised the water content % of the soil more than 60%. Additionally, biodegradation test results indicated that depending on the compositional ratios, the hydrogels exhibited a high biodegradation behavior with a weight loss of 39.88% at the end of 35th day. These all finding suggest that these new natural composite hydrogels would be an eco-friendly alternative to present synthetic soil conditioners.

Physico-Chemical Behavior of Natural Minerals along with Synthetic Soil Conditioners on Nutritional Status and Yield Productivity

A field experiment was carried out for two successive seasons (summer season 2017 and winter season 2017/2018) on sandy soil at Ismailia Agric. Res. Station, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt (Latitude, 30˚35' 41.901 N and longitude, 32˚16' 45.834 E) cultivated with sesame and wheat crops respectively, to highlight the effect of applying natural minerals and synthetic soil conditioners alone or in combined on some sandy soil properties and productivity of sesame and wheat crops. Three natural clay minerals (bentonite, vermiculite and zeolite) were added at the rate of 2 ton fed-1. Alone or in combination with three synthetic soil conditioners; hydrogel (HG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) which were added at the rate of 6 Kg fed-1. Results indicated that application of natural minerals and synthetic soil conditioners alone or in combination increased significantly values of soil moisture characteristics (field capacity (FC), wilting point (WP), available water( AW), total porosity(TP)), soil nutrients availability (N, P and K), yield components and total content of macronutrients (N, P and K) in straw, seeds and grains of sesame and wheat. Bentonite being superior as compared to other clay minerals for increasing (FC), (WP), (AW),(TP), EC values , soil nutrients availability (N, P and K), yield components and total content of macronutrients (N, P and K) in straw, seeds and grains of sesame and wheat followed by vermiculite and zeolite while values of soil reaction decreased slightly as compared to control. As for the effect of synthetic soil conditioners, application of synthetic soil conditioners significantly increased total porosity (TP), field capacity (FC), wilting point (WP), available water (AW), EC values, soil nutrients availability (N, P and K), yield components and total content of macronutrients (N, P and K) in straw, seeds and grains of sesame and wheat while pH values decreased as compared to control especially in presence of hydrogel combined with bentonite. Bentonite combined with hydrogel recorded the highest values of soil moisture characteristics (FC, WP and AW), TP, EC values, soil nutrients availability (N, P and K), yield components and total content of macronutrients (N, P and K) in straw, seeds and grains of sesame and wheat. While the inferior treatment values were zeolite combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

Evaluation of Some Synthetic Soil Conditioners and Nitrogen Rates on Nitrogen Use Efficiency by Maize - Wheat Crops System in Calcareous Soil

The use of synthetic soil conditioners such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), bitumen (Bit.) and polyacrylamide (PAC) can be considered as a specific management to improve the efficiency of the use of nitrogen fertilizers and some chemical properties of calcareous soils that are reflected in crop productivity. Two rates of synthetic soil conditioners (PAV, Bit. and PAC) and three rates of nitrogen fertilizer (50, 75 and 100% N of recommended dose) were included in this study to evaluate their effects on some chemical properties, nutritional status and yield components of both maize and wheat crops along with nitrogen use efficiency. Field experiments were conducted in calcareous soil at Nubaria Agriculture Research Station farm during two successive seasons, summer season cultivated with maize (Zea mays L., cv Giza 10) and winter season cultivated with wheat ( Triticum aestivum L., cv Giza 168). Results showed that the highest significant yield components of maize and wheat crops along with their total content of the indicated macronutrients were observed when applied high rate of polyvinyl alcohol (0.2 %) accompanied with high rate of nitrogen fertilizer (100% N of recommended dose) as compared to other tested treatments. On the contrary, application of high rate polyacrylamide combined with low rate of nitrogen fertilizer generally was inferior for yield components of both maize and wheat plants. Also, data revealed that the nitrogen use efficiency was the highest (65.0 and 42.4) for maize and wheat plant, respectively, receiving 50 % nitrogen fertilizer rate in presence of 0.2 % polyvinyl alcohol. However, applied high rate of polyvinyl alcohol accompanied with low rate of nitrogen fertilizer was superior decreased pH values of soil as compared to either control or other tested treatments. An opposite trend for EC values which were superior increased in presences of all nitrogen fertilizer rates. Also, CaCO3 values were lower when applied high rate of polyacrylamide in two seasons. The highest values of available nitrate and ammonium in soil were due to applied 0.2 % of polyvinyl alcohol combined with 75 % of nitrogen fertilizer rate compared to the other tested treatments.

Interference between Organic Soil Conditioners Mixed with Synthetic Soil Conditioners to Improve Sandy Soil Productivity

Interference between Organic Soil Conditioners Mixed with Synthetic Soil Conditioners to Improve Sandy Soil Productivity

From a stinking wastewater disposal field toward a recreation area—the story of an unconventional soil remediation in Berlin, Germany

Purpose Wastewater irrigation is still a common practice in many cities worldwide. After ending the wastewater irrigation, the question arises as to how the highly polluted areas can be reused. Mostly, the remediation costs for liming or adding synthetic soil conditioners are too high for decision makers, often leading to unattractive wastelands in neighboring suburbs. This story shows how part of a former wastewater disposal field in Berlin (Germany) was remediated by adding and mixing loam-rich glacial until excavated from subway construction work. The remediation led to long-term improvements of soil and landscape, which nowadays is an attractive forested recreation area. Part of this landscape is used as an ecological lab for research, art, and education.

オレフィン系合成高分子 (EB) による粘質土壌の物理性の改良について

オレフィン系合成高分子 (EB) による粘質土壌の物理性の改良について

Effects of natural and synthetic soil conditioners on soil moisture retention and maize yield

The efficacy of a natural soil conditioner, Coco-Peat (C-P), and synthetic soil conditioners, Terawet (T-200) and Teraflow (T-F), in improving soil moisture content were examined on five Ghanaian soil series (Akroso, Akuse, Amo, Hake and Oyarifa). In general, the water retention of T-200 and C-P treated soils were similar but significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of T-F and the control (C-T) treated soils, which were also similar on all the test soils. The dry matter yields of the test crop (maize) were 5.4, 5.2, 4.5 t ha-1 on T-200, C-P and T-F treated soils, respectively, on Akroso series. These yields were 36%, 31% and 5%, respectively, more than those of the control treatment. On Akuse series even though T-200 and T-F gave higher dry matter yields than the control, the differences were not significant, only C-P treatment gave significantly higher (p < 0.001) yield than the control. On Amo series, dry matter yields of 6.1, 5.8 and 4.9 t ha-1 on T-200, C-P and T-F treated soils, respectively, were 38%, 31% and 10% more than the control treatment. On Hake series, T-200, C-P and T-F treatments improved dry matter yields by 45%, 32% and 12%, respectively, over that of the control. The greatest effect of the polymeric absorbents was observed on the sandy/clay/loam Oyarifa series. The treatments T-200, C-P and T-F improved dry matter yields by 92%, 81% and 4%, respectively, over the control treatment. The results indicate that the differences in yields over the control were due to the improved water retention ability of the soils amended with the polymeric absorbents

CYANOBACTERIA AS ALTERNATIVE BIOLOGICAL CONDITIONERS FOR BIOREMEDIATION OF BARREN SOIL

In this study, synthetic and biological soil conditioners were used to screen their abilities to improvise the barren soil characters. These soil conditioners based on treatment of barren soil samples with urea and / or compost as synthetic soil conditioner or by inoculating the soil samples with Spirulina meneghiniana Zanrd. ex Gomon and / or Anabaena oryza e Fritsch as a biological soil conditioner. The data revealed that, the biological conditioner in a mixture (22.5 kg ha -1 Anabaena and 22.5 kg ha -1 Spirulina supplied with 7.5 kg ha -1 urea and 7.5 kg ha -1 compost) was the most effective one. Also, the soil samples inoculated with this mixture exhibited positive activity of improving soil characters. Moreover, highly significant positive responses of the development features were appeared on lettuce plants transplanted in such soil samples.

The Influence of Synthetic Soil Conditioners on the Size of Soil Microbial Biomass in a Loamy Sand Soil

The Influence of Synthetic Soil Conditioners on the Size of Soil Microbial Biomass in a Loamy Sand Soil

Reduction in soil loss from erosion-susceptible soils amended with humic substances from oxidized coal

Soils that pose high risk of erosion require amendment with either natural or synthetic soil conditioners to reduce soil loss hazards. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of using coal-derived humic substances (as soil conditioners) to reduce runoff erosion on erosion-susceptible soils. Surface (0–20 cm) samples of severely degraded soils from Principina in Tuscany (Orthic Xerofluvent) and Bovolone in Venice (Udic Ustochrept) in Italy were used to assess the effects of five rates (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg) of humic acids (HA) on soil loss and other hydrological parameters. A rainfall simulator was used to apply approximately 40 mm/h intensity rain for 1 h on soil beds of dimensions 2 m × 0.5 m × 0.01 m, packed at a bulk density of 1.20 Mg/m 3 and inclined at a slope of 15%. The amount of soil eroded ( E) and the time to initiate runoff (Rt) and drainage (Dt) were related to changes in the water-holding capacity and aggregate stability of the soils following the HA treatments. In the control treatments, the values of E, Rt and Dt were higher in the Principina than Bovolone soil. Increasing HA rates generally delayed Rt, accelerated Dt and reduced E substantially on both soils. On the Principina soil a reduction of about 36% in soil loss was obtained by adding only 0.05 g/kg of HA (equivalent to 100 kg/ha). On the sandier Bovolone soil, the same magnitude of reduction was achieved with 0.10 g/kg (200 kg/ha) of HA. Improvements in Rt and Dt from the HA amendments explained between 58 and 81% of the variation in E from both soils. Furthermore, improvements in the water retention capacity more than in the aggregate stability of these soils accounted for the reduced runoff erosion. These results show that amending erosion-susceptible soils with low rates of coal-derived humic substances is a potentially effective soil management practice for reducing erosion rates.

The effect of synthetic soil conditioners on microbial biomass

The effect of polyacrylamide (PAM) (synthetic soil conditioners) application on soil microbial biomass carbon was examined under greenhouse conditions. Two types of anionic PAMs (2J and 21J) were m...

Effect of synthetic polymers on water use efficiency for crop production on sandy soils in Saudi Arabia

Inadequate water supply is one of the major problems facing the arid and semiarid regions of the world, causing a marked decrease in land productivity. With this in mind and recognizing that huge areas of the world are arid lands or covered by sand, the present study was initiated in Saudi Arabia. This study was conducted to investigate under the local conditions of Saudi Arabia the effect of synthetic soil conditioners (Bitumen, Polyacrylamide and Ureaformaldehyde) on water use efficiency. Grain yields of wheat were highly affected by the addition of soil conditions. Surface treatment gave the highest yields for Bitumen and PAM. Incorporated UF gave the highest yield among all treatments.

Seedling emergence and root elongation of four grass species and evaporation from bare soil as affected by polyacrylamide

Seedling establishment is particularly difficult on range soils with a tendency to crust. Although application of organic matter can correct this problem, it is usually scarce on rangeland and, in general, in arid areas. Therefore, synthetic soil conditioners have become important in replacing the effect of natural organic matter. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of polyacrylamide (PAM) on seedling emergence and root elongation of blue panicgrass (panicum antidotale), King Ranch bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum), plains bristlegrass (Setaria macrostachya) and sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), as well as on evaporation, infiltration and strength of soil with a tendency to crusting. Three trials were performed, with PAM doses of 0, 10, 20 and 40 kg ha−1. Polyacrylamide markedly improved emergence of sideoats grama, even at the lowest PAM application level, while blue panicgrass and King Ranch bluestem were unaffected. Plains bristlegrass had no emergence in any of the test plots and so statistical analysis was not performed. Roots of blue panicgrass and sideoats grama that grew in tubes treated with PAM were larger than untreated ones. Measurements of shear strength showed PAM reduced the crust on the soil surface. In general, as PAM concentration increased, shear strength values decreased. PAM reduced evaporation in the short and long term. Infiltration measurements were inconsistent. Results of this study suggest PAM may become important in rangeland areas because it can improve emergence as well as the root system of some grasses, reduce shear strength that is directly correlated with crust formation, and reduce evaporation.

EFFECTS OF SOIL CONDITIONERS ON WATER RELATIONSHIPS IN SOILS

Synthetic soil conditioners that were available more than 30 years ago were shown to improve properties of soil related to water usage. Those results obtained 30 years ago are still valid. The major difference with present results is that they can now be obtained with much lower concentrations of new polymers. One reason for low rates is application of polymers in the irrigation water, in contrast to the procedure of applications of dry powder to soil 30 years ago. Low concentrations of polymers in the irrigation water increase water penetration into soils; different soils need different concentrations.

Effect of Synthetic Conditioners on Soil Water Retention, Hydraulic Conductivity, Porosity, and Aggregation

AbstractRecent attention has been focused on the use of synthetic soil conditioners in the modification of soil water relationships especially in arid regions. Soils of extremes in texture—either sands or clays—present problems in this regard. In this laboratory study, Hygromull (a urea formaldehyde) and Agrosil LR and Agrosil S (amorphous sodium hydrosilicates) were evaluated on soils of different textures. Available water content was increased by Hygromull and Agrosil LR. Saturated hydraulic conductivity of the clay soils was improved by Hygromull, while that of the sandy soil was reduced by Agrosil LR. Hygromull increased porosity of all soils but, unlike Agrosil LR, had no effect on aggregation. In contrast, Agrosil S had no effect on any property studied. Notwithstanding the attributes of these conditioners, their acceptance in commercial farming in dry regions will depend on the outcome of field trials and economic considerations.

Growth, Mineral Composition, and Seed Oil of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as Affected by Boron and Exchangeable Sodium

AbstractA solution culture boron experiment was conducted with sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to show the effects of excessive B. The boron content of leaf blades, petioles, and stems was highly correlated with substrate boron. The leaf blades contained the highest amount of boron, and the stems the least. Concentrations of 5 mg B/liter or higher inhibited growth, seed production, and resulted in a leaf necrosis and premature leaf drop. Foliage of plants receiving excess B contained &gt; 700 µg B/g on a dry weight basis.An exchangeable sodium experiment using clay soil with and without a synthetic soil conditioner showed that yields were sharply reduced at an ESP level of 15 or greater. Leaf blade sodium was higher for the treatments without the soil conditioner but in both series (± conditioner), 50% growth depression was associated with leaf values of about 0.4% Na. Potassium and Mg in the leaf blades did not vary significantly, and although calcium was decreased 50% with increasing ESP, no visual deficiency symptoms were detected. The oil content of the seed was decreased slightly with ESP levels of about 25.