Potential of Soil Conditioners to Mitigate Deficit Irrigation Impacts on Agricultural Crops: A Review

Abstract

In light of the current water scarcity, one strategy for reducing water consumption in irrigated agriculture is to reduce the amount of irrigation water compared to full crop irrigation or in other words deficit irrigation. Deficit irrigation management may be a critical issue due to climate change. Incorporation of different soil conditioners can improve soil hydro-physical properties and mitigate negative effects in water-stressed conditions. Recent review articles either addressed specific crop behavior under water deficit or covered a single type of soil conditioners. This manuscript represents an inclusive review providing insight into deficit irrigation methods incorporated with different soil conditioners. Crop response to deficit irrigation is discussed in the light of some mathematical models. Three main types of soil conditioners are covered: bentonite, biochar, and super-absorbent polymers. Mechanisms associated with effects of each conditioner to enhance soil water retention is highlighted as well. Previous study findings were discussed comparatively and future prospective, recommendations and challenges were addressed.

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

“…Maximizing yield was the main objective of research studies in the twentieth century; recently the emphasis has changed to sustainable use of limited water resources. In areas experiencing water scarcity, the economic returns of water will be maximized by reducing the crop water consumption and increasing the irrigated area 7 , 45 , 46 .…”

“…Enhancing WUE ensures maximizing yield per unit of water, rather than yield per unit of land. Therefore, improving WUE will be reflected in sustainable use of limited water resources 6 , 7 . Deficit irrigation (DI) and the incorporation of soil amendments, including hydrogels, have been proposed to enhance WUE and mitigate negative impacts of water stress in arid and semi-arid regions 8 , 9 .…”

Effect of irrigation regimes and organic fertilizer on rapeseed performance in the semi-arid area

“…Furthermore, application of FYM can improve soil hydro-physical properties and mitigate negative effects in water-stressed conditions and increases the activity of the source and sink by meeting the water requirement. (Abdelfattah & Abdelfattah, 2024).…”

Enhancement of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Seedlings Growth in Semiarid Regions Using a Superabsorbent Hydrogel Composite

“…In the agricultural sector, a variety of practices have been implemented, including modern dripping systems, water harvesting, and reuse, among others. , In addition to enhancing traditional practices, amending soils with conditioners has emerged as an attractive alternative to address water deficits. By definition, soil conditioners are materials or compounds (such as clays, biochar, superabsorbent polymers, and hydrogels) that enhance soil structure by increasing aeration, water holding capacity, and nutrient content. , These conditioners can enhance soil hydro-physical properties and mitigate the impacts of water-stressed conditions …”

“…9,10 These conditioners can enhance soil hydro-physical properties and mitigate the impacts of water-stressed conditions. 11 This article is licensed under CC-BY 4 Hydrogels are compelling materials for soil conditioning due to their inherent physicochemical nature and three-dimensional structure, which enables them to absorb and retain a significant volume of water. 12 Studies have shown that 95− 99% of the water stored in hydrogels can be released in a controlled manner, ensuring an adequate water supply for plants during prolonged drought periods.…”