Evaluating the Potential Impacts of the SNF FLOBONDTM DI 2010 on Soil Physical and Microbial Properties

Sustainable soil health management is a major challenge for modern agriculture, particularly under increasing water constraints and progressive soil degradation, prompting the evaluation of innovative soil conditioners such as water-soluble polymers. This study assessed the effects of the anionic copolymer SNF FLOBOND™ DI 2010 (FDI2010) on soil physical structure and microbial properties through three complementary experiments, including one lysimeter trial and two controlled microcosm incubations using contrasting agricultural soils under different moisture regimes. The results consistently showed a significant improvement in soil aggregate stability following polymer application, while effects on water retention were variable and dependent on soil type and moisture conditions, with clearer improvements observed under drought conditions and in lysimeter setups. Microbial responses were largely indirect, with increased respiration and enzymatic activities but no significant change in total microbial biomass. Under water-limited conditions, FDI2010 contributed to sustaining microbial activity, particularly for carbon and nitrogen mineralization. Overall, these findings indicate that FDI2010 primarily enhances soil structural stability and indirectly supports microbial functioning, highlighting its potential as a soil conditioner to improve soil resilience to hydric stress, although further field validation remains necessary.