Study on Nutrient Carrier of Mulch Based on Hydrogel @SiO₂

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Soil conservation is crucial for fertility and crop yield.
• Plastic mulch poses environmental challenges.
• Biomass-based alternatives offer sustainable solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate innovative encapsulated soil granules (ESGs) as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic mulch.
• To optimize the composition of ESGs for enhanced soil water management.
• To assess the efficacy of ESGs in improving soil properties and crop performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized PVA/PC film using protein polypeptide (PC) from leather waste and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA).
• Developed encapsulated soil granules (ESGs) with rural soil as the core and PVA/PC as the wall material.
• Incorporated ESGs into topsoil at varying ratios (0, 200, 400 g/m²) and evaluated soil insulation and moisture retention.
• Assessed the performance of ESG-10 mulched soil in rapeseed cultivation under low water conditions.

Main Results:

• ESG-10, granulated with 10% PVA/PC, demonstrated excellent water absorption, retention, and water solubility resistance.
• Increased ESG application rates were proportional to enhanced soil insulation and moisture retention.
• Rapeseed seedlings in ESG-10 mulched soil maintained vitality longer in low water environments.

Conclusions:

• Encapsulated soil granules (ESGs) offer a promising, environmentally friendly alternative to plastic mulch for soil conservation.
• The developed PVA/PC-based ESGs effectively improve soil moisture retention and insulation, supporting crop growth.
• ESGs contribute to maintaining seedling vitality under water-scarce conditions, highlighting their potential for sustainable agriculture.