Javed , nice question . Hydrogels chemically hydrophilic polymers as soil conditioners , capable of retaining both water as well nutrients . It is reported , such gels can absorb water atleast 500-800 times its weight to aid the growing plants during growth stages coinciding with water deficits. These gels are commercially known by different names viz., Stockosorb/Raindrop/Agrosorb/Hydrogel etc . Later there were some developments in from of cellulose-based superabsorbent hydrogels, superabsorbent water crystals of polyacrylamide . these hydrogels have also shown to improve the microbial status within rhizosphere of treated plants. Most of the recommendations are 50-100g per plant , but its dose depends strictly on the canopy size and age of the plant, besides soil texture associated properties when we talk of the perennial trees . Find below some useful PDFs concentrating the work on hydrogels using perennial crops as test crops.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute has developed Pusa gel. Please see following link which contains complete methodology for application and other details.
file:///C:/Users/Acer/Downloads/pusa%20hydrogel.pdf
Hydrogels are classified into three classes.
http://digisrv-1.biblio.etc.tu-bs.de:8080/docportal/servlets/MCRFileNodeServlet/DocPortal_derivate_00027041/Thesis2012.pdf
These gels are commercially known by different names viz., Stockosorb/Raindrop/ Agrosorb/Hydrogel etc . Later there were some developments in from of cellulose-based superabsorbent hydrogels, superabsorbent water crystals of polyacrylamide and are effectively used for improving water use efficiency of agricultural and horticultural crops under limited irrigation and rainfed conditions.
The question, I attempt answering HOW can Hydrogels help rather than WHAT are hydrogels, which is beautifully responded to by experts above.
It is necessary to understand the mechanism of water absorption and release to understand their use.
Hydrogels do not soak in water like sponges. They imbibe -and release - water through a diffusion controlled process. Based on the physico-chemical nature of the gel, it will absorb/retain water differently. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance has a significant effect on water retention/absorption/release.
Therefore if you place hydrogel near the root zone of the plant and then irrigate the plant, the gel swells in water, acting as a reservoir of water. In a way it supports runaway water loss and the loss of micro-nutrients and soil in the runoff. It also helps protect the ground water pollution from these micro-nutrients.
We know that a large significant quantity of irrigation water either evaporates or is lost as runoff. Hydrogels prevent this, thereby lengthening the irrigation cycle and providing only that much amount of water the plant needs. As the water release is diffusion controlled, the release is only as much as required.
Let me know if you have more questions.
Best Regards,
Ujval
Hi,
i am interested with this Hydrogel's function as per explained by the experts above.
i am wondering, is there any research conducted to test these Hydrogel's function as fire break to stop wildfire in the forest?
TQ.
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