Biomation is a micro R&D company developing hygroscopic soil improvers from organic waste materials.
Emanating from research to find greener alternatives to the disposal of waste by incineration, Biomation has developed a soil improving hydrogel which provides organic matter to soil, provides plants with the nutrients for growth and enables more efficient, targeted use of irrigation.
The Biomation process cross-links organic proteins with an Acrylic Acid polymer to form a water retaining hydrogel (named Aquagrain or AG) with nutrients.
Results from controlled environment trials indicate Biomation’s AG could enable crop farming using up to 50% less water and 50% less fertiliser, with no long term toxicity issues associated with inorganic fertilisers and existing water absorbers. AG adds organic matter to soils, reduces leachate, stabilises sandy soils and stimulates soil microbial activity.
Biomation believes that AG could be a major benefit to soil fertility and water challenged crop production. Biomation is currently extensive running field trials in Spain and is seeking collaborators to help with their UK field trail programme for 2017.
For more information visit aquagrain.co.uk or telephone: 01473 231283.