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Effect of Synthetic Conditioners on Soil Water Retention, Hydraulic Conductivity, Porosity, and Aggregation¹

ABSTRACT

Recent attention has been focused on the use of synthetic soil conditioners in the modification of soil water relationships especially in arid regions. Soils of extremes in texture—either sands or clays—present problems in this regard. In this laboratory study, Hygromull (a urea formaldehyde) and Agrosil LR and Agrosil S (amorphous sodium hydrosilicates) were evaluated on soils of different textures. Available water content was increased by Hygromull and Agrosil LR. Saturated hydraulic conductivity of the clay soils was improved by Hygromull, while that of the sandy soil was reduced by Agrosil LR. Hygromull increased porosity of all soils but, unlike Agrosil LR, had no effect on aggregation. In contrast, Agrosil S had no effect on any property studied. Notwithstanding the attributes of these conditioners, their acceptance in commercial farming in dry regions will depend on the outcome of field trials and economic considerations.

¹ Contribution from the Soils, Irrigation and Mechanization Dep., Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. Journal no. 575 B.

² Associate Professors and Graduate Student, respectively.

Received for publication April 23, 1982. Accepted for publication October 26, 1982.