Investigation of Modified Biochar, Nanoclay and Polyvinyl Acetate on Soil Stabilization and Wind Erosion Control of Sandy and Loamy Sand Soils

Wind erosion is one of the most important environmental issues in the world. This phenomenon could have hazardous effect on weather, water quality and human health. In recent years, the use of mulch has been considered for controlling wind erosion and soil stabilization. The aim of this study was to use Montmorillonite Nano clay, Polyvinyl Acetate polymer and wheat straw biochar as a natural mulch for controlling wind erosion and soil stabilization. A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. The factors included (1) mulch (three types), (2) mulch concentration (Nanoclay: 0, 16 and 32, Polyvinyl Acetate polymer: 0, 8, and 16 and biochar: 0, 65 and 200 g/m2) and (3) time duration (21, 42 and 63 days). Two soil samples (sandy and loamy sand) were collected from the dust source of southeast of Ahvaz (center Number.4). Trays with a 500×300×50 mm were filled by the soils. Then, the emulsion of Nanoclay, and Polyvinyl Acetate were sprayed uniformly on the soil surface. The biochar also was uniformly mixed with the soils. The trays were placed on wind tunnel channel and wind erosion test was performed at a speed of 20 m/s for 5 minutes. Then, aggregate stability (MWD), penetration resistance (PR), shear strength (SS) and their changes were measured at all duration times. The amount of soil loss at first duration time in nanoclay, polymer and biochar treatments were decreased in sandy soil 98%, 97% and 43.65%, and in loamy sand soil 97%, 95% and 58%, respectively as compared to the control treatment. Maximum MWD, PR and SS was obtained in the nanoclay treatment. In general, the results showed that the use of nanoclay, polymer and biochar materials significantly reduced wind erosion at different duration times, compared to the control treatment.