Influence of some polymers and microorganisms on the soil physical properties under drought conditions

Negim, Osama E.; Moharam, Moustafa H. A.; Thabit, Fatma N.; Elsayed, Elsayed F.

doi:10.21608/jsasj.2023.334540

Influence of some polymers and microorganisms on the soil physical properties under drought conditions

Document Type : Research and Review Papers

Authors

¹ Soil and water Department Faculty of Agriculture Sohag University Sohag 82524 Egypt

² Plant Pathology Department Faculty of Agriculture Sohag University Sohag 82524 Egypt

10.21608/jsasj.2023.334540

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of two Super Absorbent
Polymers (SAPs) types, P1 and P2, and four microbial isolates
(Trichoderma harzianum, two Actinomycetes sp., and Bacillus
subtilis) on improving some soil physical properties. The results
showed that SAP application, alone or in combination with
microbes, significantly reduced bulk density by 6.1% and
increased porosity by 5.2% compared to the control. Specifically,
the P1C (P1 polymer + Actinomycetes 1) treatment increased
water holding capacity by 48.7%, field capacity by 169.4%,
permanent wilting point by 180.5%, and available water by
149.8% compared to control based on data from the results. The
P1C treatment improved soil properties and moisture
characteristics. The synergistic effect of polymers and microbes
emerged as an effective strategy to modify soil properties. This
study provides valuable insights into using SAP-microbe
amendments to enhance soil physical properties, water
availability, and agricultural productivity in drought conditions.

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