干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Two soil conditioners and evaporation inhibitors were tested concerning their ability to improve soil erosion control and to reduce water evaporation. Therefore tests on the environmental impact of soil stabilizers and on soil properties were carried out. Two products were tested, the anionic bitumenous emulsion ’’Bituplant’’ and a polydimethylsiloxane-product called ’’sarea Evaporation Inhibitor’’ combined with ’’Bituplant’’. There was no indication that the use of soil conditioners at the added doses will have negative effects on ecology and environment. After bitumen application the gas exchange between soil and atmosphere is inhibited on sandy soils by 28 to 36% and on loamy soils by up to 50%. In laboratory and field studies the application of ’’Bituplant’’ led to a reduced evaporation rate up to 45%. Concerning higher potato yields it has been proved that an economical use of water increased the water use efficiency from 5.8 to 8.2 kg/m3.