Bio-Enriched Soil Technologies (BEST)

Background

Farming depletes a lot of water as the water irrigation systems cover large soil areas. USF researchers have modeled and studied how to increase the ability of soil to hold water for an extended time and to prevent soil systems from drying by adding cactus mucilage, which keeps the zone where plant roots are found wetter in dry soil. BEST entails enriching soil with cactus mucilage optionally mixed with inorganic or organic molecules.

Technology Overview

Modeling of experimental data showed that adding cactus mucilage to the soil system enhances its water uptake up to twice the value as compared to the control (no mucilage). Furthermore, when a larger amount of mucilage gelling fraction was added in the ratio of 4:1 to non-gelling fraction, the system forms a thin mucilage layer. If a water supply is scarce, BEST will be able to attract, store, and transport water and nutrient molecules to the plant in a controlled way. If the water or nutrient resources are excessive, BEST will be able to release the excess and supply only what is needed. Hence, BEST soil can function in capricious climates, allowing these plants to grow in a plethora of environments.

BEST increases the bioavailability of the essential plant growth components for subsistence and commercial crops which in turn improves food production, creates additional energy from biofuels and effectively dispenses water.

Benefits

• Attracts, stores, and transports water and nutrient molecules
• Allows plants to grow in radical climates
• More energy created from biofuels
• Improved food production

Opportunity

• License
• Sponsored Research
• Co-Development