Performance Testing of NaCMC/HPC/NaAlg Hydrogels for Agricultural Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 891 ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Joshua Franz E. Andes ◽  
Angelica F. Jao ◽  
Jeoffrey H. Zacarias ◽  
Terence P. Tumolva
Keyword(s):  
Performance Testing ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Hydrogel Beads ◽  
Release Studies ◽  
Agricultural Applications ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Germination Indices

Physically cross-linked NaCMC/HPC/NaAlg hydrogel beads were subjected to several performance tests to determine their ability to mitigate the immediate impacts of drought and their effectiveness to control nutrient release in soil. The tests showed that the beads have a water absorption capacity of 2438%, indicating superabsorbent capability. Reusability tests showed that they are capable of at least six cycles of swelling/deswelling with a net decrease in swelling from 331% to 170%. Nutrient release studies were done using a multistage diffusion model to examine their effectiveness in controlled release. Soil amendment studies showed that a 2.65% increase in the maximum water holding capacity is obtained per 0.1% of hydrogels in soil. Furthermore, phytotoxicity studies showed that the germination indices of representative vegetable crops planted in hydrogel-treated soil are above well above the threshold for phytotoxicity limit. Lastly, the hydrogels also showed potential as a growing substrate in soilless cultivation.

scholarly journals Litter Ecohydrological Function Characteristics of Three Typical Plant Communities in The Core Area of Five-Hundred-Meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope from Guizhou, China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianli Zhang ◽  
Ting Zhang ◽  
Lihua Pu ◽  
Lingbin Yan ◽  
Guojun Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Absorption ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Litter Layer ◽  
Broad Leaved Forest ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Leaved Forest

Abstract Taking the litter layer of three typical plant communities (broad-leaved forest, coniferous forest, and shrubs) as the research object, this study analyzed the hydrological function characteristics of the litter layers of different typical plant communities using the indoor immersion method in order to reveal the effects of the traits of the litter layer on the hydrological functions of typical plant communities in the core area. The results showed that: (1) the litter reserve change trend decreased in order as follows: broad-leaved forest (13.31 ± 1.54 t/hm2) > shrubs (12.62 ± 2.34 t/hm2) > coniferous forest (11.36 ± 1.43 t/hm2). The coniferous forest and shrub litter reserves increased significantly with the increase of decomposition degree (F = 19.36, P < 0.01; and F = 9.19, P < 0.01, respectively), while the broad-leaved forest litter reserves decreased first and then increased significantly with the increase of decomposition degree (F = 25.70, P < 0.01); (2) the litter natural moisture content change trends were as follows: shrubs (34.09 ± 4.31 t/hm2) > broad-leaved forest (31.32 ± 1.76 t/hm2) > coniferous forest (29.48 ± 7.02 t/hm2). The change trends of the maximum water-holding capacity, maximum interception amount, maximum interception rate, effective interception amount, and effective interception rate were in descending order as follows: broad-leaved forest > shrubs > coniferous forest. The maximum water-holding capacity, maximum interception amount, and effective interception amount of litter rose with the increase of decomposition degree. The broad-leaved forest community litter layer had the strongest rainfall interception function and the best hydrological service functions. The interception function was stronger with the increase of the decomposition degree of the litter layer; (3) the water-holding and water-releasing capacity variation of the litter layers manifested as reversed “J” features for the three typical plant communities. The water-holding capacity of different plant community litter layers (Qct) was significantly positively correlated with time (t) (P < 0.01), and the equation was Qct = b + alnt, whereas the water-releasing capacity of different plant community litter layers (Qst) was significantly positively correlated with time (t) (P < 0.01), and the equation was Qst = a t b; and (4) the water absorption and release rates of the litter layers had four periods. The water absorption rate (v) was significantly negatively correlated with time (t) (P < 0.01), and the equation was v = a t− b, while the water release rate was the same. The water absorption and release rates differed by one order of magnitude in the first 5 min, exhibiting the greatest regulation and storage function, while the rate differed by only 2.1–4.5 times during the last three periods. This shows that the litter layer has the strongest rainfall regulation and storage function for only a short period of time before declining.

scholarly journals Functional properties of protein isolates from camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) and flixweed (sophia, Descurainis sophia L.) seed meals

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Thi Ty Ngo ◽  
Fereidoon Shahidi
Keyword(s):  
Functional Properties ◽  
Protein Extraction ◽  
Protein Profile ◽  
Protein Solubility ◽  
Protein Isolate ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Foaming Properties ◽  
Oil Absorption ◽  
Protein Isolates ◽  
Water Holding

AbstractCamelina and flixweed (sophia) seed protein isolates were prepared using both the conventional extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction methods at 40 kHz for 20 min, and their functional properties investigated. SDS-PAGE showed that both ultrasound-assisted and conventional extractions resulted in a similar protein profile of the extract. The application of ultrasound significantly improved protein extraction/content and functional properties (water holding capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsifying foaming properties, and protein solubility) of camelina protein isolate and sophia protein isolate. The water-holding and oil absorption capacities of sophia protein isolate were markedly higher than those of camelina protein isolate. These results suggest that camelina protein isolate and sophia protein isolate may serve as natural functional ingredients in the food industry. Graphical Abstract

The influence of biochar particle size and concentration on bulk density and maximum water holding capacity of sandy vs sandy loam soil in a column experiment

Geoderma ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 347 ◽  
pp. 194-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank G.A. Verheijen ◽  
Anna Zhuravel ◽  
Flávio C. Silva ◽  
António Amaro ◽  
Meni Ben-Hur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Column Experiment ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Sandy Loam Soil ◽  
Loam Soil ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
Water Holding

scholarly journals Water-Holding Characteristics of Litter in Meadow Steppes with Different Years of Fencing in Inner Mongolia, China

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2374
Author(s):  
Jingjie Xie ◽  
Derong Su
Keyword(s):  
Key Factors ◽  
Litter Accumulation ◽  
Leaf Mass ◽  
Positive Linear Correlation ◽  
Restoration Measure ◽  
Organic Community ◽  
Important Means ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Stem Leaf

As a main restoration measure to address degraded grasslands, the installation of fences is often accompanied by accumulation of organic litter. This accumulated litter is a layer of physical moisture which intercepts rainfall and may inhibit plant growth and development. One of the important means to judge a reasonable length of time of fencing (the time a fence is present) is through assessing the water-holding mechanism and capacity of the litter. In this study, four meadows in the Chinese Hulunbuir grassland with different years of fencing duration were investigated in order to obtain data on organic community and litter accumulation. A soaking method was used to study water-holding characteristics of the litter and was divided into three parts of stem, leaves and decomposed parts as a means to summarize the water-holding mechanism within the litter. The results showed that: (1) Compared with the light grazing meadows, the diversity and uniformity of communities in meadows of fencing displayed a downward trend, while the accumulation of litter increased. (2) The stems, leaves, and decomposed components of litter in different communities showed a highly positive linear correlation with their maximum water-holding capacity (WHC). This indicates that the stem/leaf mass ratio and decomposition degree of litter are key factors in regulating WHC. (3) Based on this understanding, we established a model based on stem and leaf mass to predict the water-holding potential of litter in real world situations.

Effects of Extraction Conditions on the Functional Properties of Bambara Bean Protein Concentrates

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin A. Mune Mune ◽  
Armand A. Bouba ◽  
Samuel R. Minka
Keyword(s):  
Functional Properties ◽  
Water Solubility ◽  
Protein Extraction ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Water Absorption Capacity ◽  
Emulsifying Activity ◽  
Protein Concentrates ◽  
Nacl Concentration ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
Bean Protein

Abstract Functional properties of Bambara bean protein concentrates (BPCs), as a function of extraction pH and NaCl concentration, were investigated. The results showed that protein content of the concentrates ranged between 69.27% and 74.40%. The addition of NaCl during protein extraction favourably affected water solubility index particularly at pH 10–11. Moreover, the maximum water absorption capacity (4.28 g/g) and oil-holding capacity (OHC) (2.50 g/g) were recorded at extraction pH 11 and in the absence of NaCl. It was also noticed that protein extraction at pH 8–10 was not recommended for applications where high OHC is required. BPCs presenting high emulsifying activity were prepared at NaCl concentration of 0.5 M and pH 7, and at pH 11 without NaCl. Finally, foaming ability (FA) increased with NaCl concentration, and the maximum FA was recorded at pH 7 (114%).

scholarly journals Gypsum incubation tests to evaluate its potential effects on acidic soils of Colombia

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 9349-9359
Author(s):  
Jorge Enrique Cuervo-Alzate ◽  
Nelson Walter Osorio
Keyword(s):  
Acid Soils ◽  
Tropical Soils ◽  
Plant Nutrient ◽  
Ag Addition ◽  
Exchangeable Ca ◽  
Exchangeable Al ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Low Solubility

Tropical soils are characterized by acidity and poor plant nutrient availability, limiting their agricultural productivity. These soils are commonly amended with lime, but its low solubility impairs its effectiveness to enhance soil fertility. The use of gypsum has gained attention among farmers due to its higher solubility and mobility in the soil, local accessibility, and low price. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effects of Agricultural Gypsum (AG) addition on ten Colombian acid soils that had poor fertility and contrasting their physical and chemical characteristics. Surface (0-20 cm) soil samples were air-dried, sieved (<2 mm), and transferred into plastic vases, 40 g (dry base) per vase. Increasing rates of gypsum were added by duplicate: 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 g kg-1. Then, the soils were incubated for two weeks and watered to maintain 50% of their maximum water holding capacity. Soil pH, Al+3, Ca+2, Mg+2, K+, S-SO4-2, and P-H2PO4-2 were measured using standard methods. The results showed that AG addition significantly (P<0.05) increased soil exchangeable Ca+2-K+, Ca+2 saturation, S-SO4-2 concentration, and exchangeable Al+3, particularly with doses above 4.0 g kg-1. In contrast, soil Al+3 saturation, P-H2PO4-2 and pH significantly decreased as the AG doses increased, while soil exchangeable Mg+2 levels were not significantly affected. The use of gypsum incubation tests could be promissory for its effects on soil amelioration associated mainly to increase soil exchangeable Ca2+ and S-SO 42- and to decrease Al3+ saturation.

Soils of Thotapalli Major Irrigation Project of North- Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Physical and Chemical Properties

Agropedology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Himabindu ◽  
◽  
P. Gurumurthy ◽  
P.R.K. Prasad ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Physical And Chemical Properties ◽  
Clay Loam ◽  
Irrigation Project ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
And Chemical Properties

Physical and chemical properties of the soils were assessed for the ayacut area of Thotapalli major irrigation project of North-Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Six representative soil pedons were studied in Devarapalli, Gujjangivalasa, Patikivalasa, Gangada, Aamiti and Maddivalasa villages falling in ayacut area of Thotapalli major irrigation project. The soil texture ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam in upland pedons while sandy clay loam to clay in pedons under cultivated plains. In general, relatively low bulk density was recorded at surface horizons compared to sub-surface layers. Maximum water holding capacity, pore space and volume expansion increased with soil depth. The soils were acidic to alkaline in reaction, non-saline, low to medium in organic carbon content. The CEC ranged from 6.4 to 32.5 cmol (p+) kg-1. The soil exchange complex was dominated by calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium. The soils were found to be low in nitrogen, low to medium in phosphorus and medium to high in available potassium status. Manganese and copper were sufficient but zinc and iron were deficient in soils. The total silica (SiO2) content of pedons varied from 48.10 to 71.40 per cent. Sesquioxide (R2O3) and the molar ratio of SiO2 / R2O3 ranged from 19.01 to 32.4 per cent and varied from 3.74 to 6.59, respectively in different pedons. The SiO2 / Al2O3 ratio and the SiO2 / Fe2O3 ratio varied from 4.43 to 7.65 and from 13.7 to 47.8, respectively. A significant positive correlation of clay content with cation exchange capacity (CEC), maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) was observed. Sand content was positively correlated with silica and negatively correlated with MWHC and volume expansion. Soil organic carbon had a significant positive correlation with soil pore space, available nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron, but a negative correlation with soil bulk density. Soil pH was positively correlated with CaCO3 but negatively correlated with available phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, and copper and iron. Soil CaCO3 content was negatively correlated with available phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron of the soil.

Water Requirement of Solanaceous Vegetable Crops in Kashmir Valley

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Latief Ahmad ◽  
Sameera Qayoom ◽  
Baseerat Afroza ◽  
Owais A. Bhat ◽  
Nighat Mushtaq
Keyword(s):  
Growth Stage ◽  
Reference Evapotranspiration ◽  
Weather Condition ◽  
Water Requirement ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Total Water ◽  
Kashmir Valley ◽  
Water Requirements ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
Agricultural Areas

Studies on water balance and irrigation at agricultural areas require accurate values of reference evapotranspiration. The values obtained can help farmers to determine the water requirement of these vegetable crops so that proper irrigation can be applied according to its growth stage and weather condition. The objective of this study was to calculate water requirements for four Solanaceous vegetable crops: Tomato, Potato, Chilli and Brinjal grown in temperate conditions of Kashmir Valley. Water requirements were calculated using the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith Method. The total water requirement for tomato, potato, chilli and brinjal was found 458 mm, 286 mm, 343 mm and 410 mm respectively. The maximum water was required by all crops during the mid-season stage comprising nearly 45-60% of the total water requirement of the crop.

Synthesis of a Novel SAP with PS Foam

2005 ◽  
Vol 475-479 ◽  
pp. 1029-1032
Author(s):  
Li Li ◽  
Ninglin Zhou ◽  
Shao Hua Wei ◽  
Bin Xu ◽  
Yufang Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Absorption ◽  
Emulsion Polymerization ◽  
Absorption Rate ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Sodium Acrylate ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Polystyrene Foam ◽  
Super Absorbent Polymer ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
Absorbent Polymer

A super-absorbent polymer (SAP) is synthesized with polystyrene foam (PSF) and sodium acrylate through inverse emulsion polymerization. The influence of experiment conditions such as solvent of PS, composition of comonomers, initiator and cross-linking agent on the absorption capacity of the resins are discussed. The maximum water absorption rate of the prepared SAP is about 1600g/g.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document