Hydrogel as an alternative to increase water storage capacity of soil

Abstract

As 70% of potable water on the planet is used in agriculture, alternatives are needed to reduce its consumption and optimize the use of water for cultivation. Hydrogels are hydro polymers capable of absorbing large quantities of water and have been used as an alternative to improve water storage in areas of shortage. This study aimed to assess the use of different doses of hydrogels for water storage in soil, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of each dose. The doses of the hydrogel used were (4, 8 and 12 g per pot) to analyse the efficiency of the product compared to the control, depending on the availability of moisture and increase in electrical conductivity. These variables were determined with the use of time-domain reflectometer (TDR) probe. The dose of 4 g per pot was more viable, compared to the manufacturer’s recommendation (8 g per hole, under field conditions), because it presented similar moisture content, lower electrical conductivity and lower cost. The higher dose (12 g per pot) caused swelling of the soil resulting in loss of product and soil and possible root strangulation.