PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF HYDROGEL FOR IRRIGATION IN WATER SCARCE AREA

Abstract

Water being most important and basic resource for crop production is always in high demand. The scarcity of water reflects upon photosynthesis, translocation, respiration utilization of minerals and cell division. Due to water deficiency, many draught prone areas and uneven rainfall in India, it is important to mitigate water losses and to increase efficient use of water for better yield of crops and vegetation. The water needs in India can be fulfilled in much greater potential by use of hydrogel and such super absorbent polymers. Hydrogel is a polymer which is cross linked structure. It can absorb up to 30-40 times of its weight in pure water and then forms gel granules. It increases the water holding capacity, water efficiency, and permeability. It helps in reducing the irrigation frequency, dry density, water runoff. It can be degraded by both living and non-living environment factors. Hence practical application of hydrogel is much important in drought prone areas.