Nanotechnology in agricultural soil moisture management

Soil is the basis of terrestrial ecosystems and agriculture, crucial to nutrient cycling, water storage and infiltration, plant support, and microbial activity. Progressive soil degradation and desertification processes are advancing rapidly in countries of the Andean region, reducing agricultural production and negatively impacting the economy of rural families, leading to hunger and poverty. Additionally, the drought related to climate change is also generating great losses in agriculture and the economy of families. This project seeks to use nanotechnology (nanoclays and hydrogels) to help improve the moisture retention capacity of soils, increasing agricultural productivity in areas undergoing desertification and/or drought. Both materials will be developed in Ecuador by scientists from Yachay Tech University (UYT), evaluated under controlled conditions by INIAP (Ecuador), evaluated and validated in a participatory manner in real field conditions in four crops (potato, quinoa, corn, and wheat) by PROINPA (Bolivia) and by INIAP. Producers and private companies from both countries, interested in acquiring and applying the technology, will participate in the validation process. The project includes training of local actors, dissemination of results through written and audiovisual material, creation and use of digital communication platforms, and generation of scientific articles. The project will be carried out in 3 years, with PROINPA as the executing institution and UYT and INIAP as co-executing institutions.