Most recently, we have developed superhydrophobic sand mulches in our laboratory towards reducing the loss of water from arable soils. When laid as a ~5 mm thick layer on topsoils in arid environments, superhydrophobic sand mulches maintain higher soil-water content in comparison to unmulched soils. As a result, the yields of crops increase significantly. Currently, we are conducting field trials with different crops and irrigation regimes (including salty water), developing farm machinery, and testing the degradability of this material. This approach might strengthen the global food-water-energy nexus.
Mark Tester (KAUST), Matt McCabe (KAUST)