A Review on Applications of Water Retention Polymers for Improving Water Use Efficiency in Agriculture

Water scarcity and long-term water management practices are critical in agricultural systems around the world. Water retention polymers (WRPs) provide exciting alternatives for improving agricultural water use efficiency (WUE). WRPs, or hydrogels, are polymer substances that absorb and hold a considerable amount of water. The review investigates the efficiency of several types of WRPs, such as synthetic polymers, natural polymers, & composite materials, in enhancing WUE. WRPs can considerably increase soil water retention, allowing plants to have more water and reducing irrigation intensity. They also aid in the prevention of water loss due to evaporation and runoff, so conserving water resources & lowering environmental impacts. WRPs have a variety of applications, including seed coating, soil supplements, and irrigation systems. Understanding how WRPs interact with soil features is critical for optimizing WRPs and customizing their use to specific soil & crop requirements. However, affordability, impact on the environment, breakdown, and long-term impacts on soil health as well as plant development are all considered. Finally, WRPs have the potential to significantly improve WUE in agriculture by increasing water availability, minimizing water loss, and optimizing irrigation practices. More research and field studies are required to evaluate their efficacy across various agro-climatic areas and cropping systems, and to assess their lasting impact on soil and ecosystem health.