Methods of increasing soil water content are described. The methods may include applying a soil enhancement agent to the soil, where the soil enhancement agent includes one or both of (i) lactobionic acid and (ii) at least one salt of lactobionic acid. Treated soils with increased soil water content are also described. The treated soils may include a soil enhancement agent absorbed into the soil. The soil enhancement agent may include at least one salt of a lactobionic acid. Cations from the at least one salt of a lactobionic acid may aggregate at least a portion of the particles in the soil.
