Controllability of soil and water loss in small plots using nanofiber amendment produced from recycled old paperboard containers

Abstract Soil erosion control by amendments is an effective method to reduce runoff and soil loss. In this respect, application of nanofiber (NF) produced from recycled old paperboard containers as a novel approach has not been reported yet. Therefore, application of the produced lignocellulose NF suspension was carried out at various typical dosage levels (i.e., 0.5, 1, and 1.5 L m−2) at small plots of 50 × 50 × 30 cm3 dimensions. The plots were filled by 18 cm of mineral pumices as a drainage layer and the rest (upper 12 cm) was filled by fine soils. They were then subjected to rainfall simulation with intensity of 70 mm.h-¹ and duration of 30 min. The results showed that the NF amendment at all three levels increased time to runoff at tunes of 76, 86 and 81 %, decreased runoff volumes by 55, 100 and 70 % and also ameliorated soil losses some 87, 100 and 96 % compared to control (dry) plots, 23 respectively. The results also verified the efficiency of biocompatible amendment for soil and water conservation in sensitive areas facilitating sustainable development.