Developing Low Cost Hydrogel Technology for Improving Soil Moisture and Agricultural Productivity
Shaon Kumar Das*
ICAR- Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim (737 102), India
Ezekiel Khawas Bhujel
ICAR- Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim (737 102), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Cross-linked, Hydrogel, Soil moisture, Water holding capacity
Abstract
Hydrogels are cross-linked hydrophilic polymer structures that absorb large amounts of water. Anionic groups present in the cross-linked hydrogels allow hydrogen bonding within the network which helps in absorbing water. The application of hydrogel in arid and semi-arid regions improve soil properties, increases the water holding capacity of the soil, enhance of the soil water retention, improving irrigation efficiency, increasing the growth of various crops, and enhancement water productivity of the crop. Implementing proper management practices in agriculture to maintain soil moisture and increase water holding capacity is considered as one of the ways to save water. Hydrogel can swell to absorb huge volume of water or aqueous solution. This property has lead to many practical applications of these new materials in agriculture for improving water retention of soils and the water supply of plants. Hydrogel is emerging as a low cost technology for improving agricultural productivity by conserving soil-moisture.
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Reference
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