The polymer substrate that stimulates the growth of wheat was developed by NUST MISIS experts and the Physical Chemistry Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Polymer Compositions of the Institute of Biochemical Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. This was reported to socialbites.ca at NUST MISIS.
Petroleum-based polymers are widely used in the production of protective films and non-woven fabrics for growing crops. The researchers created a substrate based on biodegradable polymers (polylactide and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate). Such substances in the soil are destroyed by microorganisms and become a nutrient medium for seeds and do not harm the environment.
“On polymer substrates, the height of wheat sprouts is on average 1 cm higher than in control samples. The mass and length of roots are significantly higher in seedlings grown on nonwoven materials. The substrate itself is a supplier of carbon dioxide and heat to the seeds, as it degrades under the influence of water and wheat enzymes, accelerating germination. “They disappear in 4-6 months in closed ground,” said Yulia Tertyshnaya, senior researcher at the Institute of Biochemical Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Physical Chemistry Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Polymer Compositions.
Future research will focus on finding new methods for growing crops. Further field experiments will help to study the effect of aggressive environments on polymer fabrics and evaluate the characteristics of crops growing in open ground. Biodegradable polymers can provide an environmentally friendly and more efficient alternative to traditional crop growing methods.