AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY SCIENTIST DEVELOPS BIOGEL AGAINST SOIL DEPLETION

Today, more than 75% of soils used in agriculture are subject to degradation. The remaining 25% are at risk. All this leads to lower yields and large financial losses.

Not only farmers, but also Kazakhstan scientists are thinking about improving soil fertility. For example, Kydyrmolla Akatan, a researcher at Amanzholov University, is developing a cellulose-based multicomposite biohydrogel to increase soil moisture and fertility for sustainable agro-industrial development. The project was a winner in the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s competition for grant funding for scientific and scientific-technical projects for 2024-2026.

According to Kydyrmolla Akatan, biohydrogel is 1.5 times cheaper than available commercial means due to the use of exclusively domestic raw materials. Another advantage is the versatility of use. Miracle gel is suitable for all types of crops. And to apply an effective tool should be during pre-sowing soil treatment.

-To produce biohydrogel, we use crop waste. This is ecologically and economically sound. Local agrominerals are immobilized to give the product fertilizing and stimulating properties. As a result, we get an effectively sorbing, moisture-holding, temperature-sensitive and plant growth-stimulating preparation,” the scientist explained.

Now the work on the project is being realized in laboratory conditions. In the future, Kydyrmolla Akatan promises to increase yields in Kazakhstan by 20-25% and plans to produce hydrogel in industrial volumes.