Superabsorbent Polymer Hydrogels for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review

Abstract

Water management is rapidly becoming one of the most pressing issues facing all countries in semi-arid and arid parts of the world. Global water consumption is predicted to increase by 50% in 2030, resulting in an acute water shortage. Presently, the agricultural sector consumes more than 70% of freshwater in most regions of the world, putting more pressure on water scarcity. Hydrogels are superabsorbent polymers that can hold plant nutrients and water when the soil around plant roots starts to dry out. Research evidence has revealed that water stored by hydrogel slowly returns to the soil, thereby increasing the volumetric water content of the soil. Hydrogel increases water use efficiency and irrigation intervals, decreases irrigation costs, and provides plants with the required nutrients and moisture. Numerous properties of hydrogels, including moderate water retention and high swelling, make them ideal as a safe delivery mechanism in agriculture for soil conditioners and agents for the controlled release of fertilizers. Numerous research publications on hydrogel polymer synthesis and its characteristics have been published. However, the current review emphasizes the critical role of superabsorbent hydrogels in an integrated approach for the balanced protection of seeds, plants, and soil to conserve the ecosystem.

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

“…Finally, these inhibit soil compaction and enhance soil aeration and healthier plant growth was observed. 86…”

“…Fifth, the hydrogel moderates the over usage of pesticides and fertilizers. Finally, these inhibit soil compaction and enhance soil aeration and healthier plant growth was observed 86 …”

Significance of biopolymer-based hydrogels and their applications in agriculture: a review in perspective of synthesis and their degree of swelling for water holding

“…Various works on the subject of polysaccharides use them as elicitors, with chitosan being one of the most significant as a plant defense-booster. 94,95…”

Semi‐IPN superabsorbent polymer based on itaconic acid and polyvinyl alcohol with improved gel strength and salt resistance

“…[3] As public and institutional interest in environmental preservation increases, recent research is focusing on developing eco-friendly SAP based on renewable resources rather than petroleum-derived synthetic SAP. [4] In particular, considering the market share of hygienic applications, the benefits to be gained through the development of ecofriendly SAP suitable for this field are considerable. [5] Accordingly, studies on preparing natural SAPs from polypeptides or polysaccharides such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, and alginate have been actively conducted.…”