Scientists examined computational simulations and conducted experiments to unravel the effects and behavior of glucose in clay soil, specifically mineral nanopores. The work dug into the chemical processes that promote benevolent water traps in soil crevices.
“Ask any amateur gardener, if you have the right mix of organics and minerals, that’s better for the soil,” said lead author Ludmilla Aristilde, assistant professor of biological and environmental engineering. “Organics and minerals help the soil retain water and provide more porosity; it helps the soil to breathe. Now that we know how the chemical and physical processes work, we can exploit these phenomena for agricultural benefits.”
Plant roots and soil microbes secrete sugars that help maintain moisture around them and in turn help them cope with dry or long-term…
