Journal
POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A
Volume 64, Issue 6, Pages 744-754Publisher
MAIK NAUKA/INTERPERIODICA/SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1134/S0965545X22700456
Keywords
-
Categories
Funding
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas (CONICET) [PIP0617]
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata [15/G539]
- Agencia Nacional de Promocion Cientifica y Tecnologica (ANPCyT) [PICT-2017-0603, PICT-2018-0711, PICT-2018-0970]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The objective of this research was to develop biobased superabsorbent materials for controlling soil humidity. Two abundant biopolymers, alginate and chitosan, were studied and formulations with minimum acetic acid and CaCl2 concentrations and highest chitosan content were selected. The materials showed superabsorbent properties and improved plant growth under drought conditions, although some phytotoxicity was observed.
The main objective of this research was to develop biobased superabsorbent materials (SAM) able to control humidity in soils. For this purpose, two abundant biopolymers (alginate and chitosan) were studied. Concentration of both polysaccharides, cross-linking time, CaCl2 and acetic acid concentrations were evaluated through Taguchi design. Then, two formulations were selected and fully characterized. Samples were tested in soil substrate in two different concentrations to evaluate the effects in lettuce plants grown under hydric stress. Swelling degree significantly varied with the studied factors (822-8932%, after 24 h in distilled water). The two selected formulations had the minimum acetic acid and CaCl2 concentrations, and cross-linking time tested, but the highest chitosan content, expecting an elicitor effect in the plants. The selected materials showed superabsorbent properties. Addition of 5% w/w of either biobased materials to soil substrates led to noticeably more vigorous specimens after 6 days of drought compared to lettuce grown in substrate without SAM. However, some phytotoxicity is suspected. Further assays are necessary to optimize chitosan content improving soil properties while stimulating plant growth without phytotoxicity. Overall, results showed that Chitosan-Alginate SAMs might be considered as promising sustainable agricultural devices.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available