Stabilize for Greener Lawns

 

Scientists have developed a new kind of soil technology that could stabilize burn areas and help them grow again. There could be an added bonus for anyone trying to keep their lawn greener during summer and save water as well.

Every summer, wildfires consume thousands of acres of vegetation, threaten wildlife and set the stage for mudslides that can wreak even more havoc. A polymer encased in recycled paper bonds to positive ions in the soil to form clumps. These clods of dirt break up the hard surface that can form following a fire, promoting the absorption of water, which stops soil from being flushed away during a heavy rain. This process helps promote the plant growth that will keep the topsoil in place over the long term.

“Advanced soil technology is about engaging the soil to do the work ?EUR??,,????'??+ stops erosion, helps with better water penetration,” said Krysiak. Dropped by aircraft, the product, called Pam 12 is now being used by the forest service to stabilize burn areas. Researchers say that same technology is used in soil-binding lawn products that don’t wash away, and won’t damage the environment. They’ve even developed a new kind of seed watering technology that actually tells you when it needs watering. This technology is designed to reduce paper waste, save water, restore burned hillsides and make your world a little greener.