The influence of biological additives on the moisture retention of soil

Abstract

With the onset of climate change, dry periods are more frequent, and therefore the rational use of naturally accumulating soil moisture can be a tool to regulate the unfavorable soil moisture regime. Demand for new biological materials is increasing rapidly with the development of biotechnological science. Superabsorbent or water retaining material is considered promising material that is widely used in the fields of industry and agriculture. These can both absorb large amounts of water, as much as hundreds of times their own mass. The use of biological environmentally friendly additives to the cultivation of agricultural products, particularly germination and rooting periods, can ensure the required moisture content of the soil. The use of additives is more economical growing relatively more expensive raw materials, so in most cases it is related to vegetable and berry crops. The aim is to investigate the extent to which biological additives can absorb and give back moisture, assessing the different incorporation relations, as well as different biological additives. Soil moisture change samples were assessed under laboratory conditions with these biological additives: Stockosorb®, agroperlite, vermiculite, as well as universal hydro-granules. Biological additives, in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations, were mixed with mineral soil mixture (substrate). Laboratory test conditions were also carried out by means of environmental chambers monitored 24 hours a day set at 17 °C, 19 °C, and 20 °C. Soil moisture variation for samples with embedded biological additives ended after 24 and 26 days under laboratory conditions at 17 and 19 °C; it ended after 15 days in an environmental chamber at 20 °C. On average, soil moisture retention increases by 14 days more than the control without additives.