Hydrogels in Agriculture: Prospects and Challenges

Kaur, Prabhpreet; Agrawal, Ruchi; Pfeffer, Frederick M.; Williams, Richard J.; Bohidar, Himadri B.

doi:10.1007/s10924-023-02859-1

Cited by 56 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 107 publications

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“…5 Initially, sodium and potassium polyacrylate were explored for development of agriculture hydrogel due to their superabsorbent and water insoluble nature. 6 Preparation of hydrogels from natural polymer is currently the focus of modern research in hydrogel agriculture. 7…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Eco‐friendly three‐dimensional hydrogels for sustainable agricultural applications: Current and future scenarios

Azeem

Islam

Khan

et al. 2023

Polymers for Advanced Techs

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Modern world is searching for water efficient agriculture techniques as irrigation is becoming scarce. Limited water resources and more food demand are the two key challenges in agriculture. Hydrogels which can respond intelligently by pH, temperature, light, ionic strength, osmotic pressure, magnetic or electric field changes are termed as intelligent or smart hydrogels which are analogous to conventional hydrogels in preparatory methods and features. Lag phase, constant release and decay phase are three steps involved in release of nutrients from polymeric hydrogels. In fact, hydrogels act as little reservoirs of water and dissolve nutrients that are released in controlled manner anchored by plant roots via capillary action. Hydrogels also sustain optimum amount of water in water stress conditions and reabsorb water in moist conditions which ultimately increases seedling, seed germination, plant growth and crop yield. Fertilizer and salt release are majorly dependent upon pH and temperature followed by diffusion‐controlled mechanism. Cross‐linkers, binders and fillers play pivotal role in determining properties, architecture and hydrogel pores. In comparison to potassium (K+) and phosphate (PO4−3) ions, nitrates (NO3−1) and ammonium (NH4+1) ions exhibited faster release rate. This review spotlights application prospects of three dimensional hydrogel in agriculture. Initially, properties of hydrogels, their classification, preparatory methods, effect of natural‐synthetic‐polymer blending and role of fillers are stated. Afterward, hydrogel functioning, significance, advantages, mechanism of fertilizer release and agriculture specific applications of hydrogels are comprehensively described. In conclusion, extraordinary biocompatible, cheaper, stable, biodegradable, durable, non‐toxic and re‐wettable characteristics of hydrogel systems motivated their utilization in agronomical applications.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Eco‐friendly three‐dimensional hydrogels for sustainable agricultural applications: Current and future scenarios

Azeem

Islam

Khan

et al. 2023

Polymers for Advanced Techs

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…By evaluating the complexities of these hydrogel agricultural technology challenges and their prospects, we will have a more complete picture of their potential impacts. Largescale hydrogel implementation may also be hampered by issues such as the cost-benefit ratio, the security of the logistics system in distribution, and the stability of many traditional agricultural practices [126]. The recycling of hydrogels is challenging since recovery after application is hard to achieve, i.e., the mixture in soils and other substrates makes recovery for recycling impracticable.…”

Section: Future Challenges and Prospectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The consideration of these environmental issues (i.e., the biodegradability of polymeric waste and the long-term impact of the hydrogel on the soil ecosystem) is a critical point for the widespread use of hydrogel films. To this end, researchers are exploring hydrogels based on natural biopolymers, which are advantageous due to their biodegradability, minimizing negative environmental impacts [126,127].…”

Section: Future Challenges and Prospectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Overview of Polymeric Hydrogel Applications for Sustainable Agriculture

Vedovello,

Sanches,

da Silva Teodoro

et al. 2024

Agriculture

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Agriculture, a vital element of human survival, confronts challenges of meeting rising demand due to population growth and product availability in developing nations. Reliance on pesticides and fertilizers strains natural resources, leading to soil degradation and water scarcity. Addressing these issues necessitates enhancing water efficiency in agriculture. Polymeric hydrogels, with their unique water retention and nutrient-release capabilities, offer promising solutions. These superabsorbent materials form three-dimensional networks retaining substantial amounts of water. Their physicochemical properties suit various applications, including agriculture. Production involves methods like bulk, solution, and suspension polymerization, with cross-linking, essential for hydrogels, achieved through physical or chemical means, each with different advantages. Grafting techniques incorporate functional groups into matrices, while radiation synthesis offers purity and reduced toxicity. Hydrogels provide versatile solutions to tackle water scarcity and soil degradation in agriculture. Recent research explores hydrogel formulations for optimal agricultural performance, enhancing soil water retention and plant growth. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of hydrogel technologies as adaptable solutions addressing water scarcity and soil degradation challenges in agriculture, with ongoing research refining hydrogel formulations for optimal agricultural use.

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“…They can help loosen compacted soil, increase aeration, and improve the soil’s ability to hold nutrients. This can lead to healthier plants with better root development and increased yields 19 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of super absorbent hydrogel on hydro-physical properties of soil under deficit irrigation

Abdelghafar,

Abdelfattah,

Mostafa

2024

Sci Rep

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Due to water scarcity challenges, efficient management of irrigation water is becoming crucial. Water use efficiency (WUE) involves increasing crop productivity without increasing water consumption. This study was carried out to study the effect of hydrogel, deficit irrigation and soil type on WUE, soil hydro-physical properties and lettuce productivity. For this purpose, four irrigation treatments (100%, 85%, 70% and 60% of full irrigation requirements), four hydrogel concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% w/w) and three soil textural classes (clay, loamy sand, and sandy-clay soil) were conducted in pot experiment at open field during two consecutive seasons. The results revealed that crop growth parameters and soil hydro-physical properties were significantly affected by hydrogel application rates. Hydrogel addition significantly enhanced head fresh and dry weights, chlorophyll content, number of leaves and WUE. Application of hydrogel at 0.3% and 85% of irrigation requirements achieved the highest WUE without significant yield reductions. Changes in the studied hydro-physical properties of soil were more dependent on soil texture and hydrogel application rate than on the amount of irrigation water. The significant decrease in soil saturated hydraulic conductivity and bulk density confirms that super absorbent hydrogels could be recommended to improve soil water retention and enhance water use efficiency under deficit irrigation conditions.

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Hydrogels in Agriculture: Prospects and Challenges

Cited by 56 publications

References 107 publications

Eco‐friendly three‐dimensional hydrogels for sustainable agricultural applications: Current and future scenarios

Eco‐friendly three‐dimensional hydrogels for sustainable agricultural applications: Current and future scenarios

An Overview of Polymeric Hydrogel Applications for Sustainable Agriculture

Effect of super absorbent hydrogel on hydro-physical properties of soil under deficit irrigation

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