Use of glycolipids to improve soil hydrological behavior and plant growth

Abstract: Soil compaction can lead to poor root growth—which reduces crop yield through poor water and nutrient uptake difficulties with soil cultivation and seedbed preparation, a decrease in water entering the soil either as rain or irrigation, and a decline in fertilizer efficiency. Factors affecting soil hydrological behavior, especially the development of soil water repellency (SWR), can lead to suboptimal growing conditions and increased irrigation requirements. SWR has a substantial effect on soil-water retention and flow. Soil compaction is a major yield robbing issue, with 80-85% of cropping soils across the United States impacted by root restricting soil compaction. Glycolipids biosurfactants help to reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to enter micropores within the soil, reducing the effects of compaction.

Glycolipids are 100% naturally made biosurfactants that have many identified advantages over traditional, hydrocarbon-based surfactants such as remarkably low critical micelle concentrations (very low effective dosage rates), very low toxicity and high activity at extreme temperatures. Equally important, they are biodegradable, sustainable, and compatible with the environment. Laboratory experiments performed on primary and binary formulations of glycolipids showed biosurfactants can alter surface and interfacial properties of water-soil interface. Soil packed column tests proved addition of glycolipids improve water penetration and flow through on two farm soil samples. Soil compaction test also demonstrated efficacy of glycolipids to reduce soil dry density at low water irrigation. We have conducted several field trails in Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Brussel Sprouts, Strawberries, Celery, Almonds, Citrus, and Grapes across several states to study effects of glycolipids on soil-water interactions and crops productivity. Significant increases in yield and soil quality have been observed across a multitude of crops and different soil types.

With the addition of biosurfactants to agricultural practices, water movement is more efficient both within the soil and in the plant, bringing along vital nutrients needed for growth. Increased water use efficiency and soil quality will result in better plant vigor, increased yields, and a return on investment for growers.