Subsurface Membrane Improves Crop Yield
Feb-03-13
A water retention membrane developed at Michigan State University could help crops survive droughts and improve crop yield.The process, created by MSU professor Alvin Smucker, involves specially engineered, contoured films placed below the plant’s roots to help retain soil water. The films are carefully spaced in order to permit excess water to drain off and allow for root growth, and could be particularly useful in areas with highly permeable, sandy soils. The films will retain the water within the upper 27 to 39 inches of soil, which could increase water retention efficiency by 20 percent. In tests carried out during drought conditions, yields increased as much as 174 percent.
According to Smucker, “Water retention membranes reduce quantities of supplemental irrigation, protect potable groundwater supplies, and enable more efficient use and control of fertilizers and pesticides.”
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[INHABITAT.COM][MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY]
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This is really useful but how can we make it work for larger land say 100 Acres at a very cheap rate? should we use plastic material sheet?
Posted by Kedar Jog on February 7, 2013
fields are required.
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This is really useful but how can we make it work for larger land say 100 Acres at a very cheap rate? should we use plastic material sheet?
Posted by Kedar Jog on February 7, 2013
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