An Overview of Polymeric Hydrogel Applications for Sustainable Agriculture

Priscila Vedovello, Lívia Valentim Sanches, Gabriel da Silva Teodoro, Vinícius Ferraz Majaron, Ricardo Bortoletto-Santos, Caue Ribeiro and Fernando Ferrari Putti ()
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Priscila Vedovello: Embrapa Instrumentation, Rua XV de Novembro 1452, São Carlos 13560-970, SP, Brazil
Lívia Valentim Sanches: Embrapa Instrumentation, Rua XV de Novembro 1452, São Carlos 13560-970, SP, Brazil
Gabriel da Silva Teodoro: College of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua José Barbosa de Barros 1870, Botucatu 18610-307, SP, Brazil
Vinícius Ferraz Majaron: Embrapa Instrumentation, Rua XV de Novembro 1452, São Carlos 13560-970, SP, Brazil
Ricardo Bortoletto-Santos: Embrapa Instrumentation, Rua XV de Novembro 1452, São Carlos 13560-970, SP, Brazil
Caue Ribeiro: Embrapa Instrumentation, Rua XV de Novembro 1452, São Carlos 13560-970, SP, Brazil
Fernando Ferrari Putti: College of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua José Barbosa de Barros 1870, Botucatu 18610-307, SP, Brazil

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 6, 1-18

Abstract: Agriculture, a vital element of human survival, confronts challenges of meeting rising demand due to population growth and product availability in developing nations. Reliance on pesticides and fertilizers strains natural resources, leading to soil degradation and water scarcity. Addressing these issues necessitates enhancing water efficiency in agriculture. Polymeric hydrogels, with their unique water retention and nutrient-release capabilities, offer promising solutions. These superabsorbent materials form three-dimensional networks retaining substantial amounts of water. Their physicochemical properties suit various applications, including agriculture. Production involves methods like bulk, solution, and suspension polymerization, with cross-linking, essential for hydrogels, achieved through physical or chemical means, each with different advantages. Grafting techniques incorporate functional groups into matrices, while radiation synthesis offers purity and reduced toxicity. Hydrogels provide versatile solutions to tackle water scarcity and soil degradation in agriculture. Recent research explores hydrogel formulations for optimal agricultural performance, enhancing soil water retention and plant growth. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of hydrogel technologies as adaptable solutions addressing water scarcity and soil degradation challenges in agriculture, with ongoing research refining hydrogel formulations for optimal agricultural use.

Keywords: hydrogels; cross-linking; grafting techniques; soil water retention; nutrient release; agricultural technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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