Hydrogel in Drylands: A Review
Dimple K.T.
Department of Agronomy, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517502, India.
Akash Paul *
Department of Agronomy, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur, 795004, India.
Mriganko Kakoti
Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam- 785013, India.
Ankit Kumar Shridhar
Department of Agronomy, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474002, India.
Shahin Shobnur
Department of Agronomy, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, 785013, India.
Ayekpam Robertson
Department of Agronomy, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur, 795004, India.
Sahidul Alam
Department of Agronomy, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur, 795004, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Significant amounts of water and nutrients are held in reserve by hydrogels due to their three-dimensional polymeric network. The capacity of hydrogels to absorb water lowers the frequency of irrigation, which is beneficial for agricultural application. When applied to soil, it functions well as a nutrient mobilizer and a reservoir for water. Applying hydrogel will be a profitable and advantageous way to boost agricultural crop yield and sustainability in settings where moisture is scarce. Because of their three-dimensional polymeric network, hydrogels can store large amounts of water and nutrients. Because hydrogels can absorb water, less irrigation is required, which is advantageous for agricultural use. It works well as a water reservoir and nutrient mobilizer when added to soil. In environments where moisture is limited, applying hydrogel will be a profitable and beneficial strategy to increase agricultural crop productivity and sustainability.
Keywords: Agriculture, dryland, hydrogel, irrigation, polymer