Hydrogels as a key solution for sustainable agriculture: Exploring water retention and soil improvement

Hydrogel technology offers promising solutions for sustainable agriculture by addressing critical challenges such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and inefficient nutrient management. Hydrogels, which can absorb and retain large amounts of water, help improve soil moisture retention, reduce irrigation needs, and enhance crop yields, particularly in regions facing drought or irregular rainfall. This review explores the mechanisms, types, applications, and potential benefits of hydrogels in agriculture, emphasizing their role in improving water-use efficiency, preventing soil erosion, and minimizing fertilizer runoff. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogel technology faces challenges, including high initial costs, concerns over the environmental impact of non-biodegradable synthetic hydrogels, and limited accessibility for smallholder farmers. To overcome these obstacles, future research is focused on developing biodegradable, cost-effective and customized hydrogels tailored to specific soil types and climates. Additionally, integrating hydrogels with precision agriculture tools, such as IoT sensors and automated systems, offers new opportunities for optimizing their performance. Despite these challenges, hydrogels hold the potential to revolutionize water management and nutrient delivery in agriculture, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. Continued innovation, alongside supportive policies and educational initiatives, will be essential for maximizing the potential of hydrogels in fostering sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.