Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) Hydrogel: Water Saving Technology for Increasing Agriculture Productivity in Drought Prone Areas: A Review

Abstract

To improve the soil moisture availability, by reducing the evaporation losses and retaining the moisture in effective rooting zone. The soil application of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) is found to be the promising methodology in drought prone areas. However, very limited research work done in Indian conditions on this aspect. One of such successfully developed product is ‘Pusa hydrogel’ which is first indigenous semi-synthetic superabsorbent technology for conserving water and enhancing crop productivity and thereby increases the water use efficiency. It performs its wetting or drying cycles over a longer period of time, maintaining its very high water swelling and releasing capacity against soil pressure. Consequently evaporation, deep water percolation and nutrient leaching can be avoided. Under rainfed condition, crops can better withstand drought condition without moisture stress by using hydrogel. Systematic field studies under arid and semi-arid conditions of India are needed to develop appropriate dose, frequency and method of application of different polymers to various crops and to assess economics of use of different polymers.