Features of moisture retention in soil using a wetting agent for forest restoration purposes in Lebanon

Abstract

This study delves into the pivotal role of wetting agents in bolstering soil moisture retention capabilities, a critical factor for enhancing reforestation efforts in Lebanon’s arid and semi-arid regions. Amid escalating climate change impacts, characterized by rising temperatures and dwindling precipitation levels, Lebanon’s reforestation initiatives face significant challenges. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of various wetting agents’ effectiveness in improving soil water retention, aiming to mitigate drought stress on newly planted seedlings. Through rigorous laboratory experiments and field trials, we evaluated the impact of different concentrations of wetting agents on soil moisture dynamics under controlled and natural conditions. The findings reveal that specific wetting agent formulations significantly increase soil’s moisture holding capacity, thereby reducing irrigation frequency and enhancing seedling survivability and growth. This study not only identifies the optimal wetting agent concentrations for maximum soil moisture enhancement but also offers practical recommendations for their application in reforestation projects. By integrating wetting agents into reforestation practices, this research contributes to the development of more resilient forest ecosystems in Lebanon, providing a scalable solution to combat the adverse effects of climate change on forest regeneration efforts