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A new technology developed in the US promises to revolutionize agriculture by increasing productivity by 138% while using 40% less water.
Researchers from University of Texas developed a smart soil that promises to revolutionize agriculture. This new type of soil can capture water directly from the air to keep plants hydrated and control the release of fertilizers, ensuring a constant supply of nutrients.
The technology, based on an innovative hydrogel, was described in a study recently published in ACS Materials Letters.
What is smart soil?
The smart soil uses a hydrogel material designed to absorb water vapor from the atmosphere at night and release it throughout the day, keeping plants hydrated.
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Furthermore, the hydrogel allows a controlled release of fertilizers, optimizing the use of nutrients and reducing the need for frequent irrigation and fertilization.
In experiments, the soil showed an increase of up to 138% in plant stem length compared to conventional soil.
"This new technology could reduce the burden on farmers by reducing the need for frequent irrigation and fertilization.,” said Jungjoon Park, a graduate student in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering who led the research.
He adds that the technology is versatile enough to be used in a variety of climate conditions, from arid regions to temperate areas.
University of Texas at Austin
Impact on water use
Currently, agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater consumption, reaching 95% in some developing countries.
With the world population growing, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) highlights the importance of technologies that save water and promote sustainable food production. In this context, smart soil appears to be a promising solution.
The experiments indicated approximately 40% savings in water use compared to traditional methods, while promoting robust plant growth. These results point to a future where agricultural production can be expanded without straining water resources.
University of Texas at Austin
Benefits for sustainable agriculture
Waste reduction: The combination of hydrogel and nutrients controls the supply of fertilizers, reducing waste and increasing the efficiency of plant uptake. This also helps mitigate environmental pollution caused by the excessive use of fertilizers in conventional methods.
Greater productivity: Plants grown in the smart soil have shown significantly greater growth, with healthier and more abundant harvests. In addition, the substrate can be applied to a wide range of crops and climate conditions, making it an affordable solution for farmers in different regions of the world.
Next Steps
While the results are promising, there are challenges to large-scale adoption. Longer and more comprehensive field trials are needed to validate the effectiveness of smart soil in different soil types and climates.
Furthermore, ensuring that the hydrogel production process is environmentally sustainable and economically viable is essential.
Another important point is cost. For the technology to reach farmers in low-income regions, it will be necessary to develop partnerships with governments, NGOs and private investors.
The project also seeks to expand the use of different types of fertilizers and conduct extended field studies to refine the technology. Guihua Yu, a professor in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, emphasizes that the goal is to create solutions that balance scientific innovation and sustainability, contributing to global food security.
This discovery is another significant step forward for modern agriculture, enabling greater efficiency and sustainability in the use of natural resources and helping to meet the growing food demands of an expanding population.
