Effect of bagasse lignocellulose microfibers on sand stabilization: A laboratory study

• Published in: Aeolian research Vol. 49; p. 100654
• Main Authors: Mombeni, Maryam, Reza Asgari, Hamid, Mohammadian Behbahani, Ali, Zare, Salman, Yousefi, Hossein
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2021
• Subjects: Biological mulchs; Black liquor; Haloxylon persicum; Sand stabilization; Wind erosion; Biological mulchs; Sand stabilization; Wind erosion; Black liquor; Haloxylon persicum
• ISSN: 1875-9637; 2212-1684
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2020.100654

Mulch utilization is one of the most widely used methods to: control wind erosion, stabilize sand dunes, and increase the soil resistance to shear strength. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of using lignocellulose micro-fibers (LCMF) as a biological mulch to stabilize moving sand. Different levels of bagasse LCMF, 2.5, 5, and 10 gr/0.3 m2 containing black liquor (BL) (10 gr/0.3 m2), were applied on the moving sand surfaces. Mulch was sprayed in one layer and two layers on the surface. The research was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. To evaluate the performance of these materials, resistance to penetration (PR), shear strength (SS), germination (G), and water infiltration rate (IR) were measured and the data statistically analyzed. The results show that the highest SS and PR were observed by pure LCMF of 10 gr/0.3 m2 layers (T10) and LCMF (10 gr/0.3 m2) + BL (T13) (in two-layers) and increased the resistance to penetration 300 and 303 (Kpa) times and the shear strength 3.6 and 3.3 (N/cm2) times compared to the control. The maximum IR occurred with LCMF mulch applied at 5 gr/0.3 m2 (T2). The effect of treatments on germination was not significant and the mulches used had no adverse effect on the Haloxylon persicum. Based on parameters measured (SS, PR, G, and IR), T10 was found to be the best mulch treatment for stabilizing moving sand.