Vigilancia Tecnológica

Dry compositions for conditioning soil are provided that enhance plant growth by creating beneficial soil environments. The dry compositions include a superabsorbent polymer and a cellulosic fiber that includes at least one of hydroxyethylcellulose and methyl cellulose. In addition, methods are provided for improving soil condition by applying the compositions to soil. The compositions have improved handling properties, including flowability in commercial applications, relative to superabsorbent polymers alone. Surprisingly, the compositions can improve soil moisture retention, increase the uptake of nutrients by plants, reduce leaching of nutrients, pesticides, and microbes, and improve seedling ability to break through soil crusts as well or better than superabsorbent polymers alone.