Nanotechnology for soil moisture management in agricultural lands of the Andean Region

A project to be carried out in the Andean regions of Bolivia and Ecuador will develop nanoclays and hydrogels to improve soil moisture retention, mitigate drought, and adapt crops to new climate scenarios.

Context of the story

The Andean region of Bolivia and Ecuador is experiencing significant shifts in climate patterns. Droughts are recurrent, severely affecting agricultural productivity, food security, and the local economy. It is essential to develop adaptation strategies that help farmers mitigate the negative effects of climate variability and drought. These countries are home to unique ecosystems that are also under threat from climate change. Protecting these ecosystems is vital to preserving biodiversity and essential ecosystem services.

Promoting sustainability and resilience in fragile Andean agroecosystems through nanotechnology for efficient soil moisture management to enhance productivity and crop diversification.

The Implemented Initiative

Research institutions in Bolivia and Ecuador, together with the agricultural production sector in the Andean region, aim to promote the sustainability and resilience of fragile Andean agroecosystems through efficient soil moisture management. This will help increase productivity and crop diversification as a food security and climate adaptation strategy. The project will develop nanoclays and hydrogels to improve soil moisture retention capacity, which will be participatively evaluated and validated in various crops and agroecosystems across Bolivia and Ecuador. Results will be disseminated through regional soil moisture management platforms.

Development of nanoclays and hydrogels to reduce soil moisture loss, improve productivity, and promote crop diversification in fragile Andean agroecosystems.

The technological solution

The project strategy is based on the development and use of nanoclays and hydrogels. Nanoclays consist of ultra-fine particles with a high surface area and expansion capacity, allowing them to retain large volumes of water. Hydrogels are made from cellulose fibers derived from agricultural waste and are low-cost and environmentally friendly, making them ideal for agricultural use. After laboratory development, both materials will be tested and validated in fragile Andean agroecosystem soils to evaluate their effects on water retention, microbial diversity, and agricultural productivity.

"Conservar cada gota de agua en el suelo es fortalecer la resiliencia de la agricultura andina frente al cambio climático y garantizar la sostenibilidad de los cultivos y las comunidades rurales."

— Inspirado en los principios de adaptación climática y manejo sostenible del suelo promovidos por la FAO y el IPCC.

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Type of project

Agronomic Practices

Climate change

Applied

Technological

Results

Different nanoclays and organic hydrogels were evaluated for their water absorption and retention capacity. The nanoclays were obtained from clay deposits in Ecuador and processed by grinding and sieving, while the hydrogels were produced from organic residues. Water retention varied according to nanoclay type and concentration. Among the hydrogels, those derived from borojó and sugarcane showed the highest performance, with absorption capacities exceeding 200%. During the 2025–2026 cropping season, both technologies improved quinoa and wheat productivity, with optimal application dose of 1,000 kg/ha of nanoclay and 100 kg/ha of hydrogel. Effects were less evident in potato and could not be assessed in maize due to hail damage. Additionally, 2,000 technical factsheets were produced, 330 farmers were trained, and a Virtual Learning Community was established to support technology dissemination and adoption.

Relevant data

Más de 330 productores capacitados, 8 talleres realizados, 2000 fichas técnicas generadas y distribuidas. Ensayos en quinua, trigo, papa y maíz para validar nanoarcillas e hidrogeles en Bolivia y Ecuador.

+1000

Two 2 nanoclays developed at laboratory level with the capacity to absorb more than 200% of moisture

+1000

Two organic hydrogels developed at the laboratory level with a moisture absorption capacity of more than 200% humidity

500

Nanoclays and an organic hydrogel, identified in a greenhouse, capable of improving soil absorption by more than 20%.

1500

A nanoclay and a hydrogel evaluated in the field improve the productivity of at least 2 crops

200300

Six training workshops were conducted, reaching more than 300 farmers.

20050

More than 30 members registered on the digital innovation platform to promote the dissemination of project knowledge.

Nanotecnología para la gestión de humedad en suelos agrícolas andinos: innovación frente a la sequía y el cambio climático

Participating Organizations

Bolivia

Ecuador

Bolivia

Main Donors

Project information

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