Modification of desert sand to soil using polymers for its agricultural potential

• Published in: Journal of arid environments 2023-02, Vol.209, p.104899, Article 104899
• Main Authors: Kumari, Diksha, Prajapat, Ganshyam, Goyal, Sourabh, Agrawal, Akhil
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bio-polymer; Carboxymethyl cellulose; Desertification; Guar gum; Xanthan gum
• ISSN: 0140-1963; 1095-922X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2022.104899

Desertification is a severe global environmental problem. It is expanding at a rate of 50–70 thousand-kilometer square annually. The problem is more severe in areas that are in close vicinity of deserts. Districts of western Rajasthan, India, are majorly affected by the Thar Desert. To solve this problem, we propose converting sand to soil artificially. To develop soil-like characteristics in the desert sand, we used different polymers such as xanthan gum, guar gum, gum tragacanth, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose. The physico-chemical properties of sand, such as water-holding property, evaporation rate, and abrasion resistance, were evaluated. The results showed that sand mixed with polymers has a higher water-holding property, lower evaporation rate, and high abrasion resistance. Further, the results of the germination rate (chickpea, cluster bean, and mung bean) were higher in xanthan gum and guar gum mixed sand. This modified sand technology could be used as an ecofriendly approach for developing sand-to-soil characteristics in the Thar desert and also have a potential for future agricultural land development in the Thar desert. •The polymer could be used for combating the desertification.•Water holding capacity and abrasion resistance of sand increased by polymer.•Polymer decreased the evaporation rate of sand.•Germination rate was increased in polymer mixed sand.