Researchers from the University of Stavanger in Norway have developed a nanoporous membrane made from organic waste materials, such as seaweed, fish bones, and manure, that can prevent water loss from soil and plant roots and regulate soil temperature in regions that are excessively arid, hot, or cold. Tests performed on the membrane in the desert soils of Nigeria indicated that the technology reduced the need for irrigation by 30 to 50 percent. Different pigments can also be added to the membranes to increase or decrease sun reflection, depending on whether the soil requires heating or cooling.
