2024/04/22 by Chunyan Cao, Cao, Chunyan, Lingyu Zhao +3
Engineering · #FOS: Physical sciences #Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Stabilization #Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci) #Polymer-Based Agricultural Enhancements
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2404.13926
openalex publication_date 2024/04/22 · openalex created_date 2024/04/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Soil degradation threatens agricultural productivity and food supply, leading to hunger issues in some developing regions. To address this challenge, we developed a low-cost, highly efficient, and long-term stable soil improvement method. We chose polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a commercially available polymer that is safe and non-degradable, to serve as a soil adhesive. We mixed PVA solution into the soil and applied a drying treatment to enhance the bonding between PVA and the soil, achieving highly water-stable soil. This PVA-stabilized soil exhibits low bulk density, high porosity, and high permeability, making it an ideal substrate for planting. In a germination test, the PVA-stabilized soil revealed a higher germination rate and growth rate compared to those of the non-treated soil. We believe this simple and efficient soil improvement method can restore degraded soil and contribute to sustainable agriculture.