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Hydrogels as water and nutrient reservoirs in agricultural soil: a comprehensive review of classification, performance, and economic advantages

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Abstract

In recent years, the development of various hydrogel types has aimed to address concerns regarding the inefficient utilization of water and nutrients in agricultural settings. However, conflicting outcomes have emerged regarding the effectiveness of hydrogel application in agriculture and its potential negative environmental consequences. Therefore, this comprehensive review seeks to evaluate the functionality of hydrogels as water and nutrient reservoirs, while identifying potential solutions to mitigate their environmental impacts based on previous research. By synthesizing data from prior studies, this review analyzes how the performance of hydrogels may be influenced by soil pH, ionic strength, and other solution chemistry factors in the environment. Notably, this review encompasses a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the environmental matrix on hydrogel performance, which fills an important knowledge gap and provides valuable insights for future research directions and practical applications in agricultural lands. Considering sustainability concerns associated with conventional hydrogel applications, it is recommended to explore biodegradable hydrogels derived from natural materials like cellulose. These biodegradable options offer minimal negative impacts on the environment. Although studies on the economic analysis of hydrogel usage are limited, they play a significant role in identifying current obstacles and promoting the adoption of biodegradable hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels have shown greater commercial benefits, but the increasing focus on environmental concerns has driven the development of nature-based hydrogels (e.g., starch) in recent years. However, the trade-off between the relatively high cost of biodegradable hydrogels and their low environmental impacts necessitates more pilot-scale experiments and political efforts in this field. In summary, this review demonstrates that incorporating sustainable hydrogels into soils can effectively improve water and nutrient retention, ultimately enhancing crop production. These findings suggest a promising and sustainable future for hydrogel applications in agriculture, while emphasizing the need for further research, pilot studies, and concerted efforts to strike a balance between economic viability and environmental considerations.

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Funding

This work was funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through Grant No. 2016-67020-25275 and No. 2018-68002-27920 to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. This work was also funded by A.I. Innovations, N.V. through Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Project No. 000875.

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  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA

    Yudi Wu & Gang Chen

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA

    Simeng Li

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This work was funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through Grant No. 2016-67020-25275 and No. 2018-68002-27920 to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. This work was also funded by A.I. Innovations, N.V. through Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Project No. 000875.

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Wu, Y., Li, S. & Chen, G. Hydrogels as water and nutrient reservoirs in agricultural soil: a comprehensive review of classification, performance, and economic advantages. Environ Dev Sustain (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03706-y

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