Water Retention In Sandy Soils Research Articles

Date Palm Waste-Derived Biochar for Improving Hydrological Properties of Sandy Soil Under Saturated and Unsaturated Conditions

Water conservation and effective irrigation management are vital for sustainable agriculture in arid regions. While organic soil amendments have been widely used to enhance water retention in sandy soils, research on the use of date palm waste-derived biochar remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to explore the innovative application of biochar produced from date palm waste, focusing on its effects on the hydrological properties of sandy soil. Biochars of varying particle sizes (0.5, 1, and 2 mm) and pyrolysis temperatures (300 °C, 450 °C, and 600 °C) were produced and their impacts were assessed under both saturated and unsaturated conditions on soil hydrological properties. The biochar was incorporated into soil columns at application rates of 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/w) within a 10 cm layer on top of 35 cm deep soil columns. The soil columns were placed vertically into water basins for saturation. Evaporation, infiltration, and saturated hydraulic conductivity were measured. The findings revealed that the application of 1%, 3%, and 5% biochar significantly increased soil water retention by 36.80%, 34.18%, and 29.66%, while cumulative evaporation decreased by 7.30%, 2.00%, and 1.35%, respectively, as compared to the control. Water retained at the end of the experiment was increased by 100.63%, 112.29%, and 101.68%, while unsaturated hydraulic conductivity decreased by 21.27%, 26.15%, and 26.17% after amending the soil with 1%, 3%, and 5% biochar, respectively, as compared to the control. The water retention ranged between 30.34 and 42.51%, 22.59 and 43.20%, and 22.48 and 38.81% for biochar produced at 300 °C, 450 °C, and 600 °C, respectively. Water infiltration rate and pore size was decreased with the increased pyrolysis temperature. Overall, the application rates of 3% and 5% with particle sizes of 1 and 0.5 mm and low pyrolysis temperature were most efficient for improving soil properties such as water retention, reducing unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, reducing the rate and volume of infiltration, and enhancing the micro-porosity reduction of sandy soils. In a nutshell, this study highlights the potential of date palm waste-derived biochar as an effective soil amendment, significantly enhancing water retention by up to 112.29% and reducing evaporation. By optimizing irrigation management in sandy soils, these findings contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Improving Water Retention in Sandy Soils with High-Performance Superabsorbents Hydrogel Polymer

Improving Water Retention in Sandy Soils with High-Performance Superabsorbents Hydrogel Polymer

Retenção de água em solos arenosos de diferentes materiais de origem com adição de biocarvão

ABSTRACT This study evaluated biochar influence on water retention in sandy soils with different source materials. Samples from Horizon A of six profiles of Neossolos Quartzarênicos (Salto das Nuvens, Utiariti, Pantanal, Coberturas Detrito Lateríticas Ferruginosas, Botucatu e Bauru formations), collected in different regions of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, were used to determine the hydro-physical characteristics with the addition of biochar. The biochars assessed were produced from two sources of raw material (sugarcane filter cake and cotton husks) under pyrolysis at a temperature of 400 °C. Retention curves for soils with and without biochar, the field capacity, permanent wilting point, available water in the soil, total porosity, macroporosity, and microporosity were determined. The results evidenced that the application of biochar increases the microporosity (86.7% with cotton husks biochar and 67.9% with filter cake biochar) and reduces the microporosity of sandy soils (38.2% with cotton husks biochar and 36.0% with filter cake biochar); also, there was a higher increase in water availability with biochar from cotton husks (57.1%). There was an increase in soil microporosity and a reduction in macroporosity due to the influence of biochar addition in the sandy soils from the Salto das Nuvens, Utiariti, Pantanal e Coberturas Detrito Lateríticas ferruginosas, with no changes in the Botucatu and Bauru Formations. Biochar increases water retention in sandy soils; however, this does not occur for all geological formations studied.

Synthesis, characterization, and swelling behavior of a poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) copolymer: Application to water retention in two sandy agricultural soils in sub‐Saharan region

AbstractThe application of copolymer hydrogels based on acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AA) in sub‐Saharan soils can increase the quantity of water retained by the soil and improve plant establishment and growth. The aim of this work was to synthesize and characterize a copolymer based on acrylamide and acrylic acid and to evaluate its swelling capacity with different physicochemical parameters. This study also aimed to investigate the effect of metallic cations on the swelling capacity of the copolymer and to assess the improvement in water retention in sandy soils. The copolymer material was prepared by free‐radical polymerization in aqueous solution at a temperature of 60°C and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and its average molecular weight was estimated from intrinsic viscosity measurements. The swelling capacity was evaluated with different physicochemical parameters, and the effect of metallic cations on the swelling capacity was investigated. Water retention in two sandy soils was also evaluated. The copolymer material containing 50% AAm and 50% AA can retain more than 8100% of water. The swelling ratio increased with increasing temperature, with a maximum swelling ratio at 65°C. The presence of metallic cations reduced the maximum swelling ratio of the copolymer material as the cation concentration increased. The copolymer material at 1% in a composition with the soil showed an improvement in the water retention of 12.2% and 7.9% for soil A and 7.9% for soil B. Soil air volume is improved by 19% for both soils. This study shows that the copolymer material has a high swelling ratio and can improve water retention in sandy soils. The copolymer can be used in agriculture to protect and improve plant growth and yield.Highlights Synthesis and characterization of a copolymer based on acrylamide and acrylic acid. Evaluating the swelling capacity with different physicochemical parameters. The application of this copolymer in sub‐Saharan soils increases the quantity of water retained. The copolymer is prepared by polymerization in aqueous solution and characterized by FTIR and XRD. This study shows that the copolymer has a high swelling ratio and improves water retention.

Chitosan-Graft-Poly(acrylic acid) Superabsorbent’s Water Holding in Sandy Soils and Its Application in Agriculture

Sandy soil has a low ability to absorb and store low water, low nutrient content, and a high water evaporation rate, so it is not suitable to be used as agricultural land. Superabsorbents can be used to overcome these weaknesses. The purpose of this study was to measure the abilities of the superabsorbents, including water holding, swelling, and water retention of sandy soil enriched with superabsorbent, and to analyze the chitosan-graft-poly(acrylic acid) superabsorbent characteristics. The superabsorbent was prepared by mixing a chitosan solution with ammonium persulfate as an initiator and acrylic acid, which had been neutralized with KOH. Then, the mixture was cross-linked with N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). The resulting superabsorbent gel was dried in an oven and then crushed for analysis. The results showed that an increase in chitosan concentration increased the gel fraction, swelling, reusability, and water holding. Meanwhile, an increase in chitosan concentration decreased water retention in sandy soils. The swelling kinetics can be predicted using the pseudo-second-order model with high accuracy (R2 value of 0.99).

Effect of Salinity on the Hydro-Structural Properties of a Sandy Soil Amended by the Conditioner Stockosorb

ABSTRACT Poor water retention in sandy soils is an increasingly serious constraint in the context of water scarcity. Various methods and products were used to improve water properties of soils, including hydrogels. However, their effectiveness in the presence of salts has not been the subject of sufficient work despite the need for knowledge in the case of irrigation with brackish/saline water or in soils affected by salinity. A commercial conditioner used by Tunisian farmers named Stockosorb® 660 (SS) was selected to assess its effectiveness in two soils of different textures irrigated by water of different salinity. Several tests with varying amounts of SS have been carried out. The results showed that the volume of water retained by the soil varies linearly with the amount of added SS. The water retention and hydro-structural properties depend on the amount of water which increases with the addition of SS and varies according to the texture. However, the salinity impairs the efficiency of the SS which decreases with increasing salinity. The test with a barley crop does not show a significant effect of SS on the growth parameters.

Effectivity of bulrush (Scirpus californicus.) as a soil conditioner in increasing sandy and clay soil fertility

Abstract. Izzati M, Haryanti S, Hastuti RB. 2021. Effectivity of bulrush (Scirpus californicus) as a soil conditioner increasing sandy and clay soil fertility. Biodiversitas 22: 3423-3429. Bullrush (Scirpus californicus) is a species of macrophytes that often populates lakesides. This aquatic plant was rarely studied and its use has not been explored yet. This study was carried out to determine the effects of soil conditioner made from bulrush on sandy and clay soil fertility. Collected bulrush from Rawa Pening lake was milled into a powder and used as a soil conditioner in a proportion of 1:1. After a week, soil fertility was evaluated including organic matter content, water retention, the ratio of C/N, and bacteria population. The study was designed using a Completely Randomized Design with two treatments and control. Resulted data were analyzed using a t-test to evaluate the difference between the two treatments. Results showed that bulrush powder application significantly increased sandy and clay soil fertility. The organic matter content significantly increased in both sandy (p<0,01) and clay soils (p<005). The water retention of sandy soil was increased by 74% (p<0,01), while in clay soil was reduced by 27% (p<0,01). The C/N ratio was significantly reduced in both sandy and clay soil (p<0,05), while the bacteria population significantly increased (p<0,01). It is suggested to use the bulrush as a soil conditioner particularly for sandy and clay soils.

Ameliorating Effect of Biochar on some Physical Properties of Sandy Soil and Water use Efficiency of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Plant Grown under Drip Irrigation

Field experiments were conducted in two successive seasons (2018 and 2019) to investigate the effect of biochar application rates on weight basis (0.0 % (BC0), 0.2 % (BC1), 0.4 % (BC2) and 0.6 % (BC3)) on soil some physical properties, yield productivity and water use efficiency of tomato grown in sandy soil under drip irrigation. The results indicated that the soil physical properties, yield component and water use efficiency of tomato were significantly and positively affected (P ˂ 0.05) by biochar application treatments. Marked lowering in bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration depth of the sandy soil in both the two growing seasons as results of increasing application rate of biochar. In addition , increasing rate of biochar application resulted in significant increase of total porosity, mean weight diameter (MWD) , soil moisture constants (i.e., saturation percentage (SP), field capacity (F.C.), and wilting point (W.P.)), and soil water retention of sandy soil in both the two growing seasons. The measured available water content (AWC, %) showed a significant increase with increasing rate of biochar application which can be arranged in the order: BC3˃BC2˃BC1˃BC0. The results showed that the highest yield of tomato (32.4 and 31.9 ton.fed-1) was obtained due to BC2 treatment in both seasons. The maximum values of WUE (10.7 and 10.5 kg / m3) were associated with BC2 treatment (0.4 wt. % biochar) in both seasons. Consequently, under sandy soil conditions, application of biochar might be a promising amendment for ameliorating soil physical properties and subsequently enhancing tomato plant productivity. Tomato, Sandy soil, Biochar, Soil Physical Properties, Water use efficiency

Effect of Biochar Application on Hydraulic Properties of Sandy Soil under Dry and Wet Conditions

Core Ideas High doses of biochar increased water retention of sandy soil in both dry and wet conditions. Larger sized biochar decreased water retention at field capacity (FC). High‐pyrolysis biochar could increase water retention at FC and in dry conditions. We investigated the impact of biochar application on the evaporation rate of sandy soil. Knowledge of soil hydraulic properties under dry (below permanent wilting point) and wet (from saturation to permanent wilting point) conditions is helpful for evaluating soil physical quality and modeling the movement of the substances (water and nutrients) in biochar‐amended soils. To investigate the effect of biochar application on hydraulic properties of sandy soil under dry and wet conditions, water retention in wet conditions and soil drying curves from wet to dry conditions were measured under different application rates (1, 3, and 5%, w/w), particle sizes (<0.25, 0.25–0.5, 0.5–1, and 1–2 mm), and pyrolysis temperatures (300, 450, and 600°C) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw‐derived biochar. Results showed that when higher rate biochar (3 and 5%) was applied into the sandy soil, water retention became higher under dry and wet conditions. Biochar application with a larger particle size (0.5–1 and 1–2 mm) increased water retention under saturation and dry conditions but decreased water retention at field capacity. Sandy soil amended with biochar at the higher pyrolysis temperatures (450 and 600°C) had higher water retention under field capacity or dry conditions. Increasing biochar application rate, particle size, and pyrolysis temperature decreased the evaporation rate of sandy soil under dry conditions. Our findings suggested that hydraulic properties of the sand–biochar mixture were mainly determined by biochar properties under dry conditions and were highly related to the interpores between particles under wet condition.

Characterization of biochar and its effects on the water holding capacity of loamy sand soil: Comparison of hemlock biochar and switchblade grass biochar characteristics

Two of the most important resources in agriculture are soil and water. The quality of the soil determines the health and output of crops. Biochar has been recognized as being a useful soil amendment due to its perceived benefits of increasing water and nutrient retention. However, limited research has been conducted to compare the characteristics of biochar created from different feedstocks to determine which are the most effective at raising water holding capacity. This study compared the water holding capacity and chemical composition of biochar created from two different materials: eastern hemlock and switchblade grass. Results showed that both the hemlock char and switchblade grass char were able to significantly raise the water holding capacity of loamy sand. The switchblade grass increased the water holding capacity more than the hemlock biochar. For example, at a mixture rate of 10% biochar by weight, switchblade grass increased loamy sand's water holding capacity by 228%, compared with 133% for hemlock. The water holding capacity of the switchblade grass biochar alone was 448.69% of its weight and the hemlock biochar held 268.34% of its weight. These results suggest that switchblade grass may be better suited for improving water retention in sandy soils. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1474–1479, 2017

Effect of rice-husk biochar on selected soil properties in tropical Alfisols

Despite the large number of studies on biochar and soil properties, few studies have investigated the effects of biochar in contrasting soils. A study was conducted including four rice-husk biochar rates (0%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1%) to understand the effects on selected soil properties of two Alfisols (sand and sandy loam) in Sri Lanka. Significant changes in soil properties including increases in pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon, water retention at field capacity and saturated hydraulic conductivity, and reduction in bulk density, were observed at higher rates of biochar (0.5% and 1%). Mean-weight-diameter increased only at 1% biochar application rate in sandy soil, whereas it significantly increased across all the rates in sandy loam soil over the control. Electrical conductivity showed no significant increase in either soil, indicating no threat of salinity. Biochar showed a potential for ameliorating acidity, especially in slightly acidic sandy soil. Soil aggregation and water flow improved markedly in sandy loam soil over sandy soil. Further, CEC and water retention of sandy soil had pronounced effects compared with sandy loam soil. Our study highlights the importance of soil type in determining the value of rice-husk biochar as a soil amendment to improve soil aggregation, water retention and flow and CEC.

Suitability of biochar as a matrix for improving the performance of composting toilets.

To evaluate the suitability of biochar (rice husk charcoal) as a matrix in composting toilets that can decompose human faeces and recover fertiliser components, the composting process during toilet operation and the agricultural value of the resulting compost were characterised by performing a comparison with sawdust, rice husks, and corn stalks. The faecal decomposition ratio in biochar was 42%, similar to the values for rice husks (46%) and corn stalks (41%), but higher than the value for sawdust (25%). Heterotroph micro-organism acidity is qualitatively higher in biochar than in sawdust. However, nitrogen loss in biochar was 19%, lower than that in rice husks (36%) and corn stalks (25%), but similar to that in sawdust (16%). Although the biochar compost had no significant impact on the cation exchange capacity and water retention of sandy soil, the ratio of nitrogen transportation into plants was 12.8%, higher than that for the other materials. These results suggest that biochar is effective for achieving high faecal decomposition, low nitrogen loss, and high nutrient supply.

Water retention, hydraulic conductivity of hydrophilic polymers in sandy soil as affected by temperature and water quality

Summary Hydrophilic polymers can swell by absorbing huge volumes of water or aqueous solutions. This property has led to many practical applications of these new materials, particularly in arid regions for improving water retention in sandy soils and the water supply to plants grown on them. The effects of two hydrophilic polymers, carboxymethylcellulose (RF) and isopropyl acrylamide (BF) on the water holding capacity and saturated hydraulic conductivity ( K S ) of a sandy soil at varying soil temperature and water quality were evaluated. The RF was less efficient in absorbing water than BF, but the efficiency of BF in retaining water was negatively affected by its thermo-sensitivity and the quality of water. The temperature dependence of the water absorption was not clear for the soils treated with RF, whereas, the efficiency of BF treatment in absorbing water decreased significantly ( P K S on soil temperature differed with the type of hydrophilic polymer used. The K S of the control soil remained nearly constant as the soil temperature increased. The K S of the BF treated soil increased significantly ( P 3 cm −3 for 0.1% and from 0.27 to 0.12 cm 3 cm −3 for 0.2%, as the soil temperature increased from 15 to 35 °C. This implies that the soil–BF absorbent mixtures would release some moisture as the soil temperature would increase from 15 to 35 °C, and this water could be lost by percolation or taken up by plant. It was found that available water content increased up to four times with RF as compared to control soil whereas it increased up to five times with BF treatment. At high temperature, the difference was much reduced except for RF at 0.2%. This understanding of the characteristics of the absorbents and the interactions among absorbents, soil, and temperature would be of help in water management in sandy soil.

Effect of soil organic carbon on soil water retention

Reports about the relationship between soil water retention and organic carbon content are contradictory. We hypothesized that this relationship is affected by both proportions of textural components and amount of organic carbon. To test the hypothesis, we used the U.S. National Soil Characterization database and the database from pilot studies on soil quality as affected by long-term management. Regression trees and group method of data handling (GMDH) revealed a complex joint effect of texture and taxonomic order on water retention at −33 kPa. Adding information on taxonomic order and on taxonomic order and organic carbon content to the textural class brought 10% and 20% improvement in water retention estimation, respectively, as compared with estimation from the textural class alone. Using total clay, sand and silt along with organic carbon content and taxonomic order resulted in 25% improvement in accuracy over using textural classes. Similar but lower trends in accuracy were found for water retention at −1500 kPa and the slope of the water retention curve. At low organic carbon contents, the sensitivity of the water retention to changes in organic matter content was highest in sandy soils. Increase in organic matter content led to increase of water retention in sandy soils, and to a decrease in fine-textured soils. At high organic carbon values, all soils showed an increase in water retention. The largest increase was in sandy and silty soils. Results are expressed as equations that can be used to evaluate effect of the carbon sequestration and management practices on soil hydraulic properties.

Effects of Sphagnum peat and copper sulfate on productivity of a Ferro-Humic Podzol

Sphagnum peat is an abundant resource in the Quebec boreal zone and can be used to improve water retention in sandy soils of low productivity. Our objective was to select a peat application rate suitable for growing potato (Solanum tuberosum L. 'Superior') and barley (Hordeum vulgare L. 'Chapais') on a ferro-humic podzol. The experiment was conducted in Mistassini, Quebec, from 1994 to 1997. Organic matter content (OMC) of a Parent loamy sand was 2.7–2.9% initially. Peat was applied to small plots in a 2-yr potato and 2-yr barley rotation at rates of 0 (control), 29, 48 and 68 t ha−1 on a dry weight basis. A cupric fertilizer trial (0 vs. 2.2 kg Cu ha−1) was combined with the peat treatments. A yearly potato–barley rotation was also established in a nearby field receiving 25 t peat ha−1. The arable layer of peat-amended soils was stratified into a 5.3- to 14.8-cm thick upper layer (A1) down to the limit of peat incorporation, and an underlying layer (A2), averaging 15 cm in thickness, keeping the original soil properties. The highest tuber yield, but reduced tuber specific gravity, were obtained with the 48 t ha−1 treatment compared with the control and the 29 t ha−1 treatments. Peat rates excceeding 29 t ha−1 reduced yield and quality of the barley crop. The Cu concentration in barley and potato diagnostic tissues decreased as peat rate increased. Copper was needed to counteract the detrimental effects of peat amendments on maturation, yield and quality of barley. At field scale, peat increased the lower limit of soil water content for starting irrigation from 0.12 m3m−3 in the control to 0.15 m3m−3 in the peat-amended soil. Irrigation rate should be augmented at each passage, and frequency of waterings diminished, in peat-amended soils compared with the control, due to increased water storage capacity. Peat improved the productivity of the sandy soil up to 4–5% OMC, but could induce Cu shortage in barley. Key words: Soil water, potato, Solanum tuberosum L., barley, Hordeum vulgare L.

Effect of soluble salts on water absorption by gel‐forming soil conditioners

AbstractThe use of gel‐forming synthetic polymers as aids to water retention in sandy soils is an important development to assist plant growth in arid regions. However, the water storage properties of these soil conditioners are significantly affected by the nature and concentrations of dissolved salts in irrigation waters. Moreover, the salt response of products in the three main chemical families—starch copolymers, polyvinylalcohols and polyacrylamides—is very different, emphasising the importance of detailed assays in selecting a product for a particular set of environmental conditions.