Reducing the Erodibility of Sandy Soils Engineered by Cyanobacteria Inoculation: A Laboratory Investigation

Windblown and water-induced erosion cause substantial soil losses worldwide, especially for drylands. Any sustainable management program that increases organic matter improves the stability of crustal layer could considerably enhance productivity preservation erosion-prone land. This paper presents a laboratory investigation cyanobacteria-inoculated medium sand fine soils studied severe runoff conditions were simulated using an function apparatus (EFA). Loosely deposited specimens prepared by air-pluviation inoculated with single native filamentous-cyanobacterium strain (investigating both Nostoc sp. Calothrix sp.) then incubated under high exposure to white light 32- or 48-day periods. Well-developed bio-crusts produced on specimens’ top surface achieved improvements in resistance, as was demonstrated wide range hydraulic shear stress investigated EFA experiments. Relative resistance explained terms nature cyanobacteria-developed microstructures (cyanobacteria filament infiltration pore-void spaces exopolysaccharide excretion), observed scanning electron microscope examinations. The developed microstructure depended cyanobacterium employed nominal sizes are related gradation density state. encouraging findings this experimental suggest tailored approach (i.e., employing suitable chosen its compatibility soil’s physical properties) lay basis developing novel technology protection.