Interpolyelectrolyte Complex Chitosan – Alginate for Soil Structuring

Abstract

The interpolyelectrolyte complex of the composition [chitosan]:[alginate] = [1]:[4] was prepared by mixing a hydrochloric acid solution of cationic polyelectrolyte chitosan and an aqueous solution of anionic polyelectrolyte sodium alginate. The complex of chitosan and sodium alginate biopolymers was first used as a soil structurizer. Due to low humus and light mechanical composition, the dark chestnut soil of the dry-steppe zone of the East Kazakhstan region is subjected to erosion. Introducing a polymer complex into the specified soil contributed to the improvement of wind resistance, an increase in humidity, and a decrease in water permeability. The soil surface treated with a complex of biopolymers showed pronounced resistance to the action of planar and trickle water erosion due to aggregation of particles with a diameter of < 0.01 mm. The fraction of soil particles obtained by mechanical destruction of structured aggregates with a diameter of 3-1 mm has a well-expressed ability to self-aggregate during the humidification - drying process. The results of the vegetation and field experience in tillage with an interpolyelectrolyte complex showed a positive effect of the complex on the growth and development of radish of the Rubin variety and, as a result, an increase in radish yield by 2 times was achieved. The obtained results indicate the effectiveness of the structuring action of the chitosan- alginate complex for poorly structured soils.