Production of sheep wool keratin hydrolysate and evaluation of its effectiveness in promoting maize cultivation.

The purpose of this work is to produce keratin hydrolysate from sheep wool by alkaline hydrolysis and to assess its effectiveness in improving maize plant growth under greenhouse conditions. A hybrid response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design (RSM-BBD) was used to model and optimize the hydrolysis process. The synergistic effects between three critical independent variables including temperature, hydrolysis time, and concentration of KOH on the hydrolysis rate were statistically investigated and optimized.

Effect of sodium alginate-based superabsorbent hydrogel on tomato growth under different water deficit conditions.

The main challenge facing agriculture today is water scarcity. At present, agriculture consumes around 70 % of the planet's freshwater, much of which is lost through evaporation, leaching and runoff. This wastage, combined with the increased frequency and severity of droughts linked to climate change, is having a considerable negative impact on crops.