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Hydrogel is a type of gel that is composed of water and a three-dimensional network of polymer chains. The word "hydrogel" is derived from the combination of "hydro," meaning water, and "gel," which refers to a semisolid material.
Hydrogels are known for their impressive ability to swell, absorbing and retaining large amounts of water or liquids without compromising their structural integrity. Their biocompatibility makes them suitable for a variety of agricultural applications, including soil structure, controlled slow release of fertilizers, and soil moisture retention.
Initial mentions and discussions about hydrogels in agriculture began appearing on online platforms in the early 2000s. Hydrogels are primarily promoted for their water-absorbing properties and their potential benefits for soil moisture retention.
Around 2010, research on hydrogels in agriculture received attention. Agriculture hydrogel mainly focuses on exploring the effects of hydrogels on crop yield, water saving and soil structure.
2015-2018: SOCO researchers begin commercializing hydrogel products specifically designed for agricultural use, emphasizing their role in sustainable agricultural practices.
2018-2020: Success stories and case studies from SOCO users continue to emerge, illustrating the positive results of using hydrogels in agriculture. Farmers and agricultural experts are sharing their experiences online, describing how hydrogels can help increase crop yields, improve water efficiency and improve soil health.
Focus on degradability (2021-present): The recent emphasis on sustainability has led to a surge in discussions about degradable hydrogels. SOCO responds to market demand and develops bio-based agricultural hydrogels to solve environmental problems.
Water Conservation and Management:
Agriculture hydrogel plays play a pivotal role in water conservation by improving the water-holding capacity of soil. They absorb and retain water, releasing it gradually to plant roots. This is particularly beneficial in arid and drought-prone regions, optimizing water use efficiency and reducing irrigation requirements.
Enhanced Crop Yields:
The use of agriculture hydrogel contributes to increased crop yields. By maintaining optimal soil moisture levels and providing a continuous supply of water and nutrients to plants, hydrogels create favorable conditions for plant growth. This results in improved crop productivity and overall yield.
Soil Erosion Control:
Hydrogels aid in preventing soil erosion by stabilizing the soil structure. They form a protective layer that helps bind soil particles together, reducing the risk of erosion caused by wind or water. This application is particularly valuable in areas prone to erosion, safeguarding the integrity of agricultural land.
Nutrient Delivery Systems:
Agriculture hydrogel can serve as carriers for nutrients and fertilizers. They encapsulate these substances and release them gradually, ensuring a steady supply to plant roots. This controlled nutrient delivery promotes efficient nutrient absorption by plants, contributing to healthier and more robust crops.
Seed Coating and Germination Enhancement:
Coating seeds with hydrogels provides a protective layer, aiding in moisture retention and protecting seeds from environmental stressors. This enhances germination rates and ensures a more uniform emergence of seedlings, contributing to improved crop establishment.
Temperature Regulation:
Hydrogels exhibit the ability to moderate soil temperature. By retaining moisture and preventing rapid temperature fluctuations, they create a more stable environment for plant growth. This is especially beneficial in extreme climates where temperature variations can impact crop development.
Biodegradable and Sustainable Solutions:
The development of biodegradable hydrogels aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability in agriculture. These degradable hydrogel for agriculture materials break down into environmentally friendly by products, minimizing their impact on soil and ecosystems. The degradable hydrogel for agriculture shift towards sustainable solutions addresses concerns about the long-term environmental consequences of traditional hydrogel use.
Smart Agriculture Integration:
Advances in technology have led to the development of smart hydrogels that respond to specific environmental cues. These smart hydrogels can release water or nutrients based on real-time conditions, optimizing resource use and adapting to the dynamic needs of crops.
Research and Innovation:
Ongoing research continues to explore new applications and formulations of hydrogels. Scientists are investigating ways to tailor hydrogels to specific crops, soils, and environmental conditions. This commitment to innovation ensures that hydrogels remain at the forefront of agricultural technology.
The application of hydrogels in agriculture has evolved significantly, offering a range of solutions to address challenges related to water scarcity, soil health, and crop productivity. As research and technology continue to advance, hydrogels are likely to play an increasingly integral role in sustainable and efficient agricultural
The primary approach for utilizing perennial plants such as fruit trees, tea, forestry species, banana plants, mulberry trees, rattan, medicinal plants, and bamboo shoots involves the method of "root soaking + bottom application."
In this method, the plant roots are immersed in a hydrogel solution comprising potassium polyacrylate mixed with a fine-grained water-retaining agent. Subsequently, during the backfilling process in the planting hole, large-grained gel agents are added after absorbing water.
The process of root soaking is designed to prevent seedlings from experiencing dehydration during the establishment phase. The application of a hydrogel matrix containing potassium polyacrylate serves to provide the closest and easily absorbed effective water source during the critical period of seedling rooting. This, in turn, helps to abbreviate the seedling slowing period.
