Synthetic Hydrogels Break Down by Gypsum and Fertilizers by Making These Unsuitable for Agricultural Uses
Journal Title: Current Investigations in Agriculture and Current Research - Year 2018, Vol 5, Issue 5
Abstract
Hydrogels or super absorbents polymers (SAP) are used in agriculture for over 40 years and cross-linked polymers which absorb water 400 to 1500 times to dry weight. Hydrogels categorized into 3 classes: 1. Naturally occurring polymers 2. Semi-synthetic polymers derived from cellulose by chemically combined with petrochemicals. 3. Synthetic polymers made from petrochemicals and polyacrylamides (PAM). The ICAR also accomplished a synthetic polymer ‘Pusa hydrogel’ to reduce the irrigation requirements of the crops. The absorptive capability of hydrogel is affected by its physical-chemical composition and environmental factors. Recent novel research findings that “Gypsum precipitates the gel of synthetic hydrogels into the fluid and make them unsuitable for agricultural uses” raised serious concerns and limitation of their use in agricultural for absorption and retention of water for delays onset of permanent wilting point in the crop productionHydrophilic gels or “hydrogels”, which are commonly known as super absorbents polymers (SAP) have been used in agriculture for over 40 years and cross-linked polymers which absorb water 400 to 1500 times to their dry weight. Most of hydrogels were destined for non-agricultural diverse applications such as baby diapers, oil recovery, food processing, medical, personal care and hygiene. Hydrogels are categorized into three classes: 1. Naturally occurring polymers are starch-based polysaccarides that made from grain crops such as corn, wheat and gums of various plants and commonly used in the food industry as thickening agents. 2. Semi-synthetic polymers derived from cellulose by chemically combined with petrochemicals. 3. Synthetic polymers made from petrochemicals and polyacrylamides (PAM) are one of the most popular polymers that chemically linked to prevent them from dissolving in solution and used for increase water holding capacity, erosion control, canal sealing, and water clarification. The absorptive capability of hydrogels is affected by their physical-chemical composition and environmental factors, such as the dissolved salts in water solution [1]
Authors and Affiliations
Virender Singh Lather
Keywords
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- EP ID EP581078
- DOI 10.32474/CIACR.2018.05.000221
- Views 59
- Downloads 0
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