A CSIC research team has created a device for restoring degraded or polluted soils and creating vegetation covers. It can be adapted to the needs of different soils and ecosystems, as the amendments into its two different compartments can be adapted to the local soil to restore.

Degraded soil after using the device (left)Degradation of soils, caused by erosion, pollution, salinity or acidity, is a problem that specially affects arid areas and dry climate conditions. The main feature of the device is its two different compartments, which are laterally linked. Every compartment is a type of bag or envelope, whose external cover is a water-soluble polymer. A connecting element links the two compartments.

One of the compartments contains an amendment: a mixture of organic matter and nutrients, which has a high moisture retention and is mixed with seeds of, at least, one of the species of the local vegetation. The other compartment contains a pH amendment.

During its application, the pH amendment is placed below. The device slowly releases its content when water enters into it, as can happen either when the field is watered or when it rains. The method also allows planning the installation of the devices in advance of a rain event. This is extremely useful for revegetation of soils in semi-arid environments, where rain is scarce.

It protects the seeds until the climatological conditions are favorable

The tool has been successfully tested for soil restoration and for creating green covers. It is especially interesting for degraded and dry environments, as it protects the seeds until the climatological conditions are favorable. Another advantage is that the device prevents pollutants to spread to adjacent areas and it reduces the cost of agricultural tasks, especially in water usage.

Organic amendment with seeds and pH amendment

The device is biodegradable, as it is made of organic matter, it can be adjusted to the characteristics of the soils and allows for a slow release of nutrients. Moreover, the components of the amendments, both the seeds and the organic matter, can be adapted to choose the most suitable for the local soil to restore.

Contact:

Antonio Jiménez
Vicepresidencia Adjunta de Transferencia del Conocimiento
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Tel.: 915681930
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