Speaker
Description
Most Mediterranean regions, especially the Maghreb, have experienced several periods of drought during which rainfall has fallen by around 20%. These regions are among the thirty or so most sensitive areas on the planet, and one of the most exposed to drought risk. Added to a global temperature rise of 0.5°C, we are also witnessing the spread of severe drought, which contributes to the deterioration of ecosystems, aggravates soil desertification, and implies the loss of productivity of cultivated land.
The idea behind this project is to improve water resource management for irrigation, soil quality and the economic performance of agriculture through the use of super water absorbents or hydro-renters, combined or not with the use of treated wastewater.
This research aimed to synthesize and study the swelling behavior of a new super-absorbent hydrogel based on a bio-polymer extracted from industrial food waste. Product characterization was carried out by FTIR, TGA, SEM, NMR and XRD analysis. Reaction variables affecting the hydrogel water absorption capacity, as well as the hydrogel sensitivity to salt, pH and temperature, will be studied in detail.
Using super-absorbent polymers in irrigation can help retain water in the soil and increase the water-holding capacity of sandy or organic matter-poor soils. This can improve the soil’s ability to supply water to plants and reduce water stress, which in turn can improve crop growth and yield.
Keywords: Agriculture, Biopolymers, hydrogel, Irrigation, Superabsorbents.
