What is agricultural hydrogel?

It is a new approach to water management under water-stressed conditions to conserve soil moisture in the active rooting zone of crops by reducing the evaporation, deep percolation, and runoff losses. Agricultural hydrogels are water retention granules which swell their original size to numerous intervals when they come in contact with water.

Can hydrogels improve soil nutrient retention?

In summary, this review demonstrates that incorporating sustainable hydrogels into soils can effectively improve water and nutrient retention, ultimately enhancing crop production.

Why is hydrogel application important?

The higher soil water availability as a result of hydrogel application helps to escape water stress during prolonged periods of water scarcity. During the phase of water release by the hydrogel, free pore volume will be set up within the soil, offering additional space for root growth and air and water infiltration and storage.

How does water retention affect hydrogel application?

The water retention capacity of hydrogels is directly influenced by the available water in the surrounding environment. If the irrigation rate is too low, the water will be directly utilized by plants and not stored by hydrogels. Conversely, excessive irrigation renders hydrogel application unnecessary.

How do hydrogels work?

The hydrogels act as small water reservoirs, swelling when the soil is irrigated and releasing water slowly when the soil is dry. The composition of the hydrogels plays a crucial role in their absorption capacity and the mechanisms by which water is absorbed.

Does biodegradable Superabsorbent hydrogel increase water retention properties?

Montesano, F. F., Parente, A., Santamaria, P., Sannino, A., & Serio, F. (2015). Biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogel increases water retention properties of growing media and plant growth. Agriculture and Agricultural Science Procedia, 4, 451–458.