Stearic-Acid-Coated Sand: A Game Changer for Agriculture Water Management.

This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of stearic-acid-coated sand (SACS) as a superhydrophobic material for agricultural water management applications. The fabrication process involves coating silica sand particles with stearic acid in an ethanol-based solution, followed by controlled drying to achieve a stable and uniform hydrophobic layer. Structural, chemical, and physical characterizations confirmed the successful functionalization of the sand surface. The coated sand exhibited a high water contact angle (WCA > 150°), indicating strong water repellency and potential for reducing water loss in soil systems. Experimental results demonstrated enhanced moisture retention in SACS-treated soil, prolonging water availability by up to four additional days compared to untreated samples. Despite its promising performance, potential degradation under acidic or organic solvent exposure remains a concern for long-term application. Overall, this work presents SACS as a low-cost, scalable solution to improve water conservation in dry agricultural areas, supporting sustainable farming practices.