Hydrogels in Modern Agricultural Practices: Significance and Applications
R. Preethadevi*
Dept. of Agricultural Engineering, Nehru Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 105), India
R. Kiruthika
Dept. of Agricultural Engineering, Nehru Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 105), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Biopolymer, Hydrogel, Sustainable agriculture, Water retention
Abstract
Population increase and climate change present modern agriculture major difficulties, including water scarcity, land degradation and rising food demand. Three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks called hydrogels provide a hopeful solution by ensuring a progressive moisture release during droughts by absorbing and storing water up to 500-600 times their weight. Their special ability for regulated nitrogen release improves soil quality, lowers nutrient leaching and maximizes water utilization, hence solving inefficiencies in conventional irrigation. Synthetic as well as biopolymer-based hydrogels improve soil structure, increase porosity and encourage early seedling development. Made from natural elements like starch and chitosan, biopolymer hydrogels offer environmental safety and affordable sustainability as compared to conventional polymers. Modern precision agriculture methods combined with advanced hydrogel systems boost crop yield even in water-scarce areas. Hydrogel technology thus offers a significant economic and environmental benefit, making it absolutely innovative for sustainable agricultural practices.
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Reference
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