Biopolymeric Hydrogel as an Eco-Friendly Soil Amendment for Water Conservation and Sustainable Agricultural Applications

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Published: 2026-05-12
Keywords:
Hydrogel, Biopolymer, Water retention, Soil conditioner, Bacterial cellulose

Main Article Content

Divya S
Nitte (Deemed to be University), NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Nitte-574110, Karnataka, India.
Chandrika S Tantry
Nitte (Deemed to be University), NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Nitte-574110, Karnataka, India.
Dona Molly Chandy
Nitte (Deemed to be University), NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Nitte-574110, Karnataka, India.
Ellen Ruth Nyirenda
Nitte (Deemed to be University), NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Nitte-574110, Karnataka, India.
Shifali Shetty
Nitte (Deemed to be University), NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Nitte-574110, Karnataka, India.
Zishan Shaikh
Nitte (Deemed to be University), NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Nitte-574110, Karnataka, India.
Shobitha A Rao
Nitte (Deemed to be University), NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Nitte-574110, Karnataka, India.
Manjunatha Bukkambudhi Krishnaswamy
Department of Biotechnology, The Oxford College of Engineering, Bangalore-560068, India.
Mahanthesh Kumar G T
Basic School of Sciences and Humanities, SR University, Warangal, Telangana,506371. India.
Vidya Shimoga Muddappa
Nitte (Deemed to be University), NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Nitte-574110, Karnataka, India.

Abstract

Water scarcity is a major challenge affecting sustainable agricultural production and necessitates the development of biodegradable soil conditioners capable of reducing irrigation demand. In this study, a quaternary polymer composite hydrogel (SLGC) composed of sodium alginate (SA), bacterial cellulose (BC), guar gum (GG), and locust bean gum (LBG) was developed using Ca²⁺-mediated ionotropic gelation. The optimised formulation (2% SA, 0.4% GG, 0.4% LBG, 0.2% BC, and 4% CaCl₂) was characterised using FTIR, SEM, and gravimetric analyses. The hydrogel exhibited a swelling capacity of 450%, water-holding capacity of 82%, water retention of approximately 79%, and re-swelling capacity of 90% after repeated dehydration–rehydration cycles. Pot and germination studies demonstrated improved moisture retention and plant growth under reduced irrigation conditions. Germination of Vigna radiata increased to 93.3% in hydrogel-amended soil compared with 68.3% in untreated controls. Enhanced shoot growth, leaf development, and plant survival were observed in Vigna radiata, Raphanus sativus, Spinacia oleracea, and Oryza sativa under irrigation intervals of once every three days. The results indicate the promising potential of SLGC hydrogel as a biodegradable soil-conditioning material for water-efficient agricultural applications.

Article Details

Issue

Vol. 6 No. S1 (2026): Volume 6, Issue S1, 2026

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Biopolymeric Hydrogel as an Eco-Friendly Soil Amendment for Water Conservation and Sustainable Agricultural Applications (D. S, C. S Tantry, D. M. Chandy, E. R. Nyirenda, S. Shetty, Z. Shaikh, S. A Rao, M. B. Krishnaswamy, M. Kumar G T, & V. S. Muddappa, Trans.). (2026). International Journal of Aquatic Research and Environmental Studies, 6(S1), 493-516. https://injoere.com/index.php/injoere/article/view/451

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