Hydrophilic Polymers in Agriculture and the Use of Nanoadditives to Improve Their Capabilities

Poonam Barala¹ &
Vinita Hooda¹

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Abstract

Hydrophilic polymers are highly desirable in agriculture, particularly when growing plants on drylands, because they act as soil conditioners and nutrient carriers, improving the usability of poor soils. However, the fragile nature and low mechanical and thermal stabilities of these hydrophilic polymers limit their practical applications in agriculture. Hence, consistent efforts are being directed towards using and testing suitable amendments, preferably the nanoscale amendments such as nanoclays and other inorganic substances that significantly improve the polymer’s water absorption and retention properties. Further, they also strengthen the otherwise frail polymeric network and significantly improve their stability. Observed improvements in the properties of hydrophilic polymers after incorporation of nanosized metal (Ag, Fe, Al, Zn), nanographene oxide (nGO), nanosilicate (vermiculite, SiO₂) and inorganic nanoclay (attapulgite, Ag-coated nanoclay, montmorillonite, illite) particles have been described in the review. Practical demonstrations from the literature on the utility of hydrophilic polymers (with and without nanoamendments) in supporting seed germination and plant growth have also been included. Further, the review also embraces details on the successful utilization of nanocomposites for the controlled release of fertilizers to improve their use efficiency. In the end, biodegradation and toxicity of nanoamendments, future trends and opportunities in this area have been discussed.

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Hydrophilic polymers and their nanocomposites for improved plant growth with high water and fertilizer use efficiency

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Funding

The study was financially supported by the Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation and Technology (HSCSIT, Endst. No. HSCSIT/R&D/2020/474) to work in the area of composite hydrogels for agriculture applications. Poonam Barala is thankful to HRDG, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR File No. 09/382(0219)/2019-EMR-I) for the financial assistance. Financial support received by the Department of Botany from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India under its “Fund for Improvement of Science & Technology Infrastructure (FIST)” scheme (No. SR/FST/LS1-529/2012(C)) is also acknowledged.

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Department of Botany, Faculty of Life Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, India
Poonam Barala & Vinita Hooda

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Poonam Barala
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Vinita Hooda
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Vinita Hooda conceived the idea. Poonam Barala reviewed the literature and wrote the initial and subsequent drafts and drew the figures and tables. Vinita Hooda critically reviewed, corrected and approved the article.

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Correspondence to Vinita Hooda.

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Barala, P., Hooda, V. Hydrophilic Polymers in Agriculture and the Use of Nanoadditives to Improve Their Capabilities. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 22, 2992–3011 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-022-00862-4

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Received: 13 September 2021
Accepted: 25 April 2022
Published: 06 May 2022
Issue Date: September 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-022-00862-4