The developers explain that the soil looks like a light carpet and can be spread almost anywhere.
Scientists of the Siberian Federal University (SFU, Krasnoyarsk) have invented artificial soil (biomat) for land reclamation. This was reported on Thursday by the press service of the university.
“A fertile surface layer of soil has been created in the laboratory of the Siberian Federal University. The biomat will significantly simplify and accelerate the reclamation of technogenically disturbed lands, including those in the northern territories, where the biological stage of reclamation is greatly hampered by considerable remoteness and inaccessibility, as well as severe climatic conditions" , - the press service informed.
The biomat is a base of natural fiber, which is impregnated with a special composition that keeps it strong and durable for a long time. Organic fillers containing biologically active additives and binders of natural origin are applied onto the basis.
If necessary, the biomat composition is injected with strongly swelling hydrogels, which increase the ability of the artificial soil to retain water, thus facilitating the care of seedlings.
"It decomposes completely within 4-5 years. The products of its decomposition themselves become part of the soil humus, ensuring the development of plants. In its appearance, the artificial soil resembles a carpet, which is light and can be easily spread almost anywhere”, Alena Burnova, one of the developers, explained.