Aimplas develops hydrogels from marine algae that retain water to improve crop yields

VALENCIA, Apr. 14 (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Aimplas Plastics Technological Institute is developing hydrogels from algae for better water management, biodegradable agricultural films that contribute to plant growth while they decompose and other thermal films to increase crop yields, with the aim of provide solutions to the growing problem of soil impoverishment.

With a synergistic approach, the Soilcare project, financed by the Valencian Institute for Business Competitiveness (IVACE), will offer solutions to improve the quality of crop soil in all aspects: control of water, fertilizers and solar radiation, according to Aimplas has reported in a statement.

Companies such as IDAI Nature, Comercial Projar, PICDA, Benihort, Cooperativa de Llíria and Bioterreta collaborate with Aimplas in this plasticulture project.

As explained by the Agriculture and Aquatic Environment researcher at Aimplas, Alberto González, the institute, within the framework of this project, will develop hydrogels from biodegradable polymers of natural origin, specifically, from various species of marine algae, due to their " high capacity" to retain soil moisture.

"With this, we will contribute to agricultural practices with better management of water resources, through an organic and sustainable product, far from conventional hydrogels that contain acrylic acid," he detailed.

In addition, Soilcare also addresses the development of biodegradable films that increase the biostimulation of the plant and minimize the use of chemical products, since, by reinforcing the plant's defenses and increasing its efficiency in light adsorption, "it is healthier and strong to face pests and diseases".

"On the one hand, we will work with mulch film functionalized with biostimulant substances so that, after its useful life, it provides the soil with nutrients that promote the growth and development of plants, as well as biomass, CO 2 and water generated during the decomposition process", highlighted Alberto González.

On the other hand, agricultural films with thermal additives will be developed to control transmitted radiation and thus increase crop yields.

These thermal additives "will allow the creation of microclimates inside the greenhouses that are necessary for the maintenance of a minimum temperature that guarantees the variability and growth of the crop. In addition, we also want to control the radiation that falls on the plant, converting the wavelengths with few benefits and even harmful for the growth of plants in others of greater interest that are absorbed or assimilated by them during the process of photosynthesis".

Overall, the Soilcare project "will provide solutions to the need to reverse the accelerated deterioration and impoverishment of soils and wastelands, so directly related to crucial aspects such as food security, the availability of drinking water or the conservation of biological diversity and the use of chemical inputs", explained the institute.