Application of Xanthan Biopolymer in Decreasing Soil Wind Erosion (Case Study: Segzi Plain)

The purpose of this research is to study the feasibility and method of using xanthan biopolymer as an alternative for oil mulch in controlling or mitigating soil wind erosion. Xanthan is a biodegradable biopolymer made of Polysaccharides which is produced by bacteria and is used as stabilizer. The ability of different concentrations of xanthan in reducing the erosion, was examined by wind tunnel tests at speed of 7 to 15 m/s. To do so, xanthan gum suspension was sprayed on the surface of sand samples collected from sandy hills of Segzi plain in Isfahan and samples resistance to wind erosion were tested by wind tunnel after being dried. The test results indicated that a resistant crust is formed on sample surface due to spraying xanthan biopolymer, so that 2 gr/m2 of this biopolymer can reduce erosion up to 98 percent compared to untreated sample. Application of xanthan doesn’t need any advanced equipment and it can be sprayed cold. Cost of mulching with oil mulch in March 2020 to March 2021 was estimated to be 13 times more than mulching with xanthan gum. According to environmental standards, this biopolymer is also safe for using on soil resources.