Synthetic soils

Soil conditioners are materials that measurably improve the physical characteristics of the soil as a plant growth medium. Typical uses include erosion control, prevention of surface sealing, and improvement of water infiltration and drainage. Many natural materials such as peat and gypsum are used alone or in combination with synthetics for soil conditioning. This article is concerned with synthetic soil conditioners, many of which are introduced as polymeric systems similar to the gels and foams formed in situ by chemical grouts. 

Bulluck LR, Ristaino JB (2001) Effect of synthetic and organic soil fertility amendments on southern blight, soil microbial communities and yield of processing tomatoes, soil microbial communities and yield of processing tomatoes. Phytopath 92 181-189 Bulluck LR, Barker KR, Ristaino JB (2002) Influences of organic and synthetic soil fertility amendments on nematode trophic groups and community dynamics under tomatoes. Appl Soil Ecol 21 233-250... 

Uses Copolymerized with methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, or 1,1-dichloroethylene to produce acrylic and modacrylic fibers and high-strength fibers ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers nitrile rubber cyano-ethylation of cotton synthetic soil block (acrylonitrile polymerized in wood pulp) manufacture of adhesives organic synthesis grain fumigant pesticide monomer for a semi-conductive polymer that can be used similar to inorganic oxide catalysts in dehydrogenation of tert-butyl alcohol to isobutylene and water pharmaceuticals antioxidants dyes and surfactants. 

Produces a synthetic soil (stabilized waste with soil-like qualities) that has greater erosion resistance than natural soil, enhanced slope stability, and has a greater affinity for soluble heavy metals. 

The spiked synthetic soil sample was analyzed for spiked metals recovery prior to CHEMFIX treatment. Table 2 summarizes the recovery of each spiked metal. In general, 68-153% recovery was obtained. 

The laboratory data from both parts of this study proved that the CHEMFIX process was capable of treating contaminated soils, rendering them non-hazardous. The results from the kinetics experiment on the Synthetic Soil Matrix (SSM) showed that the metal-binding reactions took place almost instantaneously. This should eliminate any concern... 

Zeolite (clinoptilolite) treated with hex-adecyltrimethy-lammonium bromide Synthetic soil leachates spiked with arsenic 25 12.5 As(V)... 

Upholstery and carpets are often treated with repellent finishes to minimize soiling during use. Since much of the soiling that occurs is due to dry soil, a test to evaluate dry soiling behavior is useful. AATCC Test Method 123-2000 can be used for upholstery and carpet samples. Either 10 g of actual vacuum cleaner soil or 10 g of a synthetic soil is rotated with pebbles in a rotary ball mill with two samples (3x7 inches) (7.6 x 18 cm) of the fabric to be tested. After a predetermined exposure time, the fabrics are removed, vacuumed and visually compared to previously soiled standards. 

The bringing about of a satisfactory state of aggregation in many soils, and the maintenance of this state, present many problems. Often almost the only practical method for doing this is to use a rotation that provides for the periodic use of sod crops. On high-priced land, and where the area available is limited, this is often an expensive practice. It is these facts that lead to the development of synthetic soil conditioners that can act as aggregate stabilizers but are not decomposed rapidly, if at all, by microorganisms (Quastel, 1954 Harris et al., 1966). 

Synthetic soil conditioners do not form aggregates but they are strong stabilizers of those that are already naturally present in the soil, or formed mechanically. This is one outstanding case where there is a sharp line of distinction between formation and stabilization of aggregates. The synthetic polymers combine with soil particles very quickly in... 

The sponsors of synthetic soil conditioners initially had high hopes that they would be of great value in agriculture. This did not prove to be the case for various reasons, chiefly cost of materials, lack of aggregate forming ability, difficulty of application, and disappearance of most of the benefits after one season. 

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