Hydrogel Enhanced Soil: A Strategy For Agricultural Water Conservation

Overview

Abstract Hydrogels are used worldwide to conserve water in agricultural practices. They are utilized across distinct geographic regions, including India, the United States, the Middle East, Australia, and areas in Europe. In this research project, I analyzed optimal concentrations and potencies of biodegradable hydrogels across multiple crop types. Four diverse crop specimens were utilized, including garden beans, lettuce, Brussel sprouts, and garden peas. The biodegradable hydrogel was composed of distilled water, agar, and citric acid. Different concentrations of hydrogels were applied to the crops, with one of each crop type in the following categories: No Hydrogel (control), 25% Hydrogel (10 grams), 50% Hydrogel (20 grams), and 75% Hydrogel (30 grams). The plants were all given precisely the same amount of water, sunlight, and drought exposure. Results substantiated that the 50% Hydrogel category performed the best. For instance, the 50% Hydrogel category in the garden bean crop outperformed the subsequent categories. Garden bean specimens exhibited mean water absorption rates of 51.95% (no hydrogel), 55.77% (25% hydrogel), 66.67% (50% hydrogel), and 63.95% (75% hydrogel). When the crops were left out for 4 days, the 50% Hydrogel category surpassed the other categories in health. As for the 10-day drought period, the 75% Hydrogel plants performed best. This research project demonstrates that hydrogels can indeed help conserve water and reduce costs for irrigation needs in agricultural practices. The 50% Hydrogel category achieved optimal results, though it depends on the environment of the crops and the length of the drought period.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Earth & Environmental Sciences (Junior Division) · Entry J-08-10

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