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Hydrogels: An Introduction

 

HYDROGELS:

These are basically gel forming, insoluble, water absorbing polymers which were developed for the sole purpose of agricultural improvement. Hydrophilic or water loving gels are commonly called as hydrogels. Designed in the 1980s, these are also called cross-linked three dimensional networked water absorbent polymers. Hydrogels bear hydrophilic functional groups in their polymeric backbone which are responsible for their ability to absorb water. At the same time, the cross-links between network chains account for their ability to resist being dissolved.

(A polymer can be stated as a group of natural or artificial substances made up of very large molecules, called macromolecules, which are again just a number of simpler chemical units called monomers connected together. Eg: Natural polymers – DNA, proteins, cellulose etc.)

These work on the soil physical properties and thereby:

  1. Increase water holding capacity and water use efficiency
  2. Boost soil permeability and infiltration rate
  3. Reduce irrigation frequency and compaction tendency
  4. Prevent soil erosion, farm run-off & surface leaching

How do hydrogels do this?

Hydrogel act as simple reservoirs surrounding the roots.  When in contact with soil moisture, its volume inflates to around 200 – 800 times the original. This facilitates storage and trapping of sufficient water from irrigation and/or rain. This collected moisture can be gradually released depending upon the individual crop requirements especially in extended durations. The slow release behaviour is applicable even in the case of soil applied fertilizers and pesticides, thereby increasing their efficacy and also preventing pesticide runoff. Hydrogels when mixed with soil tend to enhance the permeability of soil and in turn improve crop germination rates. The fact that these substances are well-suited for a wide range and type of soils, explains the improvement in plant performances and yields. So eventually it helps to reduce the impacts of drought stress in plants, conserve soil moisture and also control soil erosion arising out of excessive runoff especially in slope areas.

3 types of agricultural hydrogels:

  1. Starch-graft copolymers
  2. Cross-linked Polyacrylates
  3. Cross-linked Polyacrylamides & Acrylamide-acrylate copolymers

 

 

 

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